Vol. 484 No. 2
23 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to support the development of technological parks on the campuses of regional technical colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16692/97]
I fully support the creation of meaningful links between the regional technical colleges with new technological parks and industry. A number of initiatives in this area are at present being undertaken by the private sector, the IDA and others, including the development of technological parks adjacent to the colleges. In addition, the proposed site for the new third level institution in Blanchardstown forms part of a new scientific, industrial and business park which is being developed by Fingal County Council and the IDA. I strongly welcome these initiatives. My plans in this regard are to support both the research and innovative capabilities of the third level institutions to a level where the service park concept can be realised in a realistic way.
The development of technological parks on the campuses of the regional technical colleges themselves is restricted due mainly to the limited size of the existing sites and the extent to which they are required to accommodate new buildings which are urgently needed to provide additional student places.
The most pressing need with respect to the regional technical colleges is to maintain the relevance and quality of their programmes to the needs of students and the economy. The £250 million scientific and technological education (investment) fund which I launched last month constitutes a comprehensive and co-ordinated strategy of investment in education, with particular emphasis on the development of technology education at all levels, including areas such as improved infrastructure development, equipment upgrading and enhanced research and development activities.
