Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the major building project for Cavan Institute at Cathedral Road, Cavan town will be progressed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55939/25]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that a proposal from Cavan and Monaghan ETB is currently being progressed under my department’s Further Education & Training (FET) College of the Future Major Projects Fund.
The proposal has been successful in moving forward to the Pre-tender, Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. As part of this stage, the proposal will be further developed, risks will be better understood, the design will be advanced, and a procurement strategy and project execution plan developed.
The proposal put forward by Cavan Monaghan ETB is to construct a new integrated Further Education and Training College of the Future in Cavan Town. The proposed facility will address critical needs, 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.
SOLAS continues to engage with Cavan Monaghan ETB around further developing their project scope and associated schedules of accommodation. Work has also begun on the development of standardised tender documents.
SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support Cavan Monaghan ETB through this next stage of proposal development.
Supporting FET learners and educators across all regions including those in Cavan and Monaghan remains a top priority for my department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet their needs.
