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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.

John Perry

Ceist:

656 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has in place to help fund the new engineering block at Sligo Institute of Technology in view of the fact that there is a further £3 million required in addition to the £2.5 million funding from his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are tremendous benefits for enterprise, trade and job creation in the north west as it is highly recognised for its excellence and is much needed for the further growth and development of job creation in the region; if so, when these funds will be allocated; the timescale involved in view of the fact that the project is held up due to a lack of funding from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21459/98]

The proposed engineering block is the latest component of a rolling capital programme of building works approved by my Department.

Since 1990 almost £12 million has been invested in capital projects in Sligo Institute of Technology. These include the national toolmaking centre, a new technology block, a new business innovation centre, the purchase of sections of St. Columba's hospital, the provision of a new main entrance, internal roads and additional car parking facilities, and extensive modifications to the existing building. Provision has also been made for the purchase of replacement equipment.

In September 1997, I gave approval for a major £5.5 million extension to the institute which comprises 5,000m 2 of accommodation and will provide a new library, two new 128 seat lecture theatres, central administration and student services facilities. This project is due for completion in the summer of 1999.
Earlier this year, I gave approval to the Institute to proceed with a new languages and marketing building with £1.3 million in funding from the Exchequer and from the INTERREG Programme of the European Regional Development Fund. I understand that the institute is in a position to invite tenders for the building work for this project.
In late 1997 the governing body of the institute reviewed the institute's development plan and decided that the next phase of the institute's development should be the technological, engineering and computing facility.
My Department gave approval for the appointment of a design team by the institute, and for the planning and design of the project to proceed. It is at an early stage of development, and will be implemented on a rolling basis, similar to previous capital projects at the institute. The institute has been advised that the project must be designed to facilitate its implementation within a rolling capital programme.
The timescale for the implementation of the project will be decided when a more advanced stage of planning has been reached and approved in the normal way.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the project is not being held up at this stage due to lack of funding, in fact it is only proceeding because of the funding which this Government has allocated.
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