Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2015
131. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills if adequate funding will be provided to maximise the potential of the apprenticeship training centre in Mount Lucas, County Westmeath; the rent that is being paid to Bord na Móna for the property; the duration of the lease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3341/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Construction Training Centre in Mount Lucas caters for construction plant training. There is currently a lease on the site for 9 years and 11 months at an annual cost of €10,000, exclusive of VAT. It is due to expire in September 2017.
The facility is the only recognised training centre in Ireland to test plant drivers for the equivalent UK certification, which means plant operators are certified as being competent both in Ireland and the UK to operate plant machinery.
The centre has recently set up a certification unit which processes construction skills certificates for Dublin and Midland counties. In excess of 2,000 learners were certified through this unit in 2014.
A proposal to convert Mount Lucas from a training facility to a national assessment centre for construction plant and related health and safety courses is under consideration and consultation is underway with relevant stakeholders.
