asked the Minister for Education the basis on which Castlebar, Thurles and Tralee were selected as centres for technical colleges or RTCs; and the criteria for selection that were applied which gave these centres priority over other areas which are requesting regional colleges or technical colleges.
Written Answers. - Regional Technical Colleges.
754.
In proposing to provide regional technical colleges in Castlebar and in Thurles, I have had regard to a number of factors. These include demographic factors, such as population and the number of young people likely to avail of a college if provided, the geographical spread of such colleges in the country and the requirement that colleges of this kind be of sufficient size to enable them to offer an acceptable range of courses.
The regional technical college in Tralee was established in 1977. The present building programmes will provide up to date accommodation for the college.