Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
82. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made by his Department and SOLAS regarding a new capital development for a college (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12868/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan (NDP) provides for a step up in capital funding and a significantly more ambitious phase of capital investment in the FET sector. My Department has worked closely with SOLAS in building up the governance, strategic framework and delivery capability required to underpin and support this major programme of FET investment.
In February this year, I launched two new programmes of funding for the FET sector - a FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund and a Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund. Both of these funding programmes will provide Education and Training Boards (ETBs) with a process to put forward new projects that will both upgrade and enhance FET infrastructure and that will advance the priorities of the Future FET Strategy – building skills, fostering inclusion and facilitating pathways.
The FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund will support projects that can help drive reform of the FET Sector, including consolidation, integration, realisation of centres of excellence and unified tertiary planning. The Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund will support smaller-scale investments in existing FET infrastructure, ensuring that works are progressed within the context of an overall strategic plan for the building and aligned with the FET College of the Future principles.
Details of how to put forward proposals for funding have been communicated to all ETBs by SOLAS. Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB may wish to consider submitting a proposal as part of this process.
