Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
65. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the importance of the hospitality sector to Killarney, County Kerry and to Ireland will be acknowledged by supporting and expediting the proposed training college for the hospitality industry at a location (details supplied). [6847/25]
View answerI would like to advise the Deputy that Kerry ETB are currently being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Killarney under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. The proposal put forward by KETB is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.
KETB’s proposal is expected to encompass the transformation of FET provision in the area by developing a state-of-the-art campus focussing on skills development in Hospitality Training, while supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies.
KETB is also currently working on its' business case proposal and will have the opportunity to submit this proposal for evaluation once it is completed. Following evaluation, business cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: Pre-Tender – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy.
SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support KETB in the development of its' proposal. My department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff in Kerry and the wider south east region.
