Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
917. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on progress in relation to the Kilkenny College of Further Education and Training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37280/25]
View answerThe Kilkenny and Carlow ETB's (KCETB) proposal for a new FET College in Kilkenny city has been successful in moving forward to the next stage of development - the Pre-tender, Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage. This is following the evaluation process which was undertaken in September 2024.
KCETB’s proposal is to construct a new integrated Further Education and Training College of the Future (CotF) on the newly purchased site at Joinersfolly to the south of Kilkenny City. The proposed facility would address critical needs, including providing a state-of-the-art education and training facility.
The project aims to consolidate existing provision, incorporate new training programmes and specialisms, and develop support services at one location with convenient transport access, including bus services to main towns in multiple counties.
SOLAS continues to engage with KCETB around it's project scope and associated schedules of accommodation. Initial work has also begun on the development of standardised tender documents.
