asked the Minister for Education if she will state in relation to the provision of a third level regional college in the Tallaght area of County Dublin: when tenders will be sought for the development; the projected cost to the Exchequer of providing the college; the nature of courses that will be available; the facilities that will be in the college; whether the college will have degree awarding status; the proposed opening date of the college; and the number of pupils who will be accommodated.
Written Answers. - Tallaght (Dublin) Regional College.
452.
A site has been purchased for a regional technical college in Tallaght. It is intended that, initially, 1,000 places would be provided in this college with provision for ultimate development to 2,000 places. Consultants for the project have not yet been appointed and planning of the college has not commenced. Awards in regional technical colleges are made by the National Council for Educational Awards and not by the college. The cost of the initial development including the site cost is estimated at £9.9 million. This is one of a large number of third level projects at present being considered by the Government in the context of investment requirements generally. It is not, therefore, possible at present to say when detailed planning will commence or when the college will be available for the reception of students. The nature of the courses and facilities to be provided will be determined in due course.