Further and Higher Education

Wednesday, 18 September 2024

Questions (846)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

846. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans for capital investment in further and higher education facilities in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36547/24]

View answer

Written answers

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

My Department works collaboratively, through SOLAS and the HEA, with the Education Training Boards and all higher education institutions on the development and delivery of capital projects.

Capital investment in Carlow and Kilkenny for 2024 will be realised through existing capital projects and devolved funding mechanisms as detailed in the below table.

The table below outlines Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education (HE) projects currently in train throughout counties Carlow and Kilkenny.

Programme	County	Institute	Project	Status

FET: Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund	Kilkenny	Grennan Equestrian Centre, Thomastown, Kilkenny Carlow ETB	Project to replace existing temporary accommodation	Project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning
FET: College of the Future Major Projects Fund	Kilkenny	Kilkenny Carlow ETB	FET College of the Future	Kilkenny Carlow ETB have submitted a proposal under the FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund to develop a flagship facility on a new site in Kilkenny. The business case for their proposal is currently being evaluated and this process is expected to conclude in the coming weeks. In parallel, work continues advancing the acquisition of an appropriate site for the college.
FET: Apprenticeship Fund	Kilkenny	Training Centre – Purcellsinch Training Centre, Kilkenny Carlow ETB	Refurbishment Works to provide 2 x electrical workshops and classroom / training room	Works valued at approximately €1.9m were completed in August 2024
FET: Devolved Capital Grant	Kilkenny & Carlow	Kilkenny Carlow ETB	Devolved capital funding managed by the ETB	€435,000 annual allocation for KCETB for 2024 Flexible funding to support ETBs with small-scale building works and equipment purchase or renewal
HE: Energy Efficiency Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme (EEDPP) 2021	Carlow	SETU Carlow Campus	Burrin Building - Medium retrofit with high-temperature air source heat pump	On Site – Expected Completion due in Q4 2024
HE: PPP Programme Bundle 2	Carlow	SETU Carlow	Science and Health Building	The final tender for Bundle 2 was received in March 2024 and construction is expected to commence in Q1 2025 - subject to Cabinet approval