Technological Universities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 October 2023

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

Ceisteanna (292, 293)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

292. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the significant lack of parking availability at the Waterford campus of South East Technological University with students who are commuting by day having their cars clamped for parking on the access roads around the Waterford Campus; if he will provide a hardcore area for overflow parking at this site to alleviate the present parking issues given that he has declared that the former Waterford Crystal site purchase is almost complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45558/23]

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

293. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will make funding available to South East Technological University to provide overflow parking for Waterford campus students, given the general understanding that capital developments through public procurement will take some years to deliver student accommodation and teaching buildings on the newly acquired Waterford Crystal site; when this funding can be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45559/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 293 together.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies as set out in legislation and receive funding from a variety of sources including state grants; competitive funding; tuition fees and commercial/private income streams. My Department cannot instruct an institution to develop an area for overflow parking. Under the Public Sector Climate Action Strategy 2023-2025 public bodies are tasked with encouraging the use of sustainable transport modes and to acquire the NTA’s Smarter Travel Mark, to demonstrate robust communications, policies, facilities, incentives and supports in favour of sustainable commuting.

Question No. 293 answered with Question No. 292.