Niamh Smyth
Question:1251. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9779/26]
View answerTuesday, 10 February 2026
Questions (1251)
Written answers
I thank the Deputy for her question. My Department works collaboratively with all Higher Education Institutions and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) on the development of capital projects in line with their established masterplans and estates strategies, through established capital programmes.
FET capital funding programmes are continuously monitored to ensure they remain fit for purpose and aligned with national and regional strategic priorities. SOLAS works closely with all ETBs to address provision requirements regionally, including supporting increased utilisation of existing FET infrastructure and more flexible modes of education delivery, in addition to capital investment through existing funding programmes.
SOLAS will continue to work closely with Cavan Monaghan ETB (CMETB) to ensure that appropriate infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of learners and staff across their entire estate. CMETB currently has a project under the FET College Major Capital Programme to build new centralised accommodation on land that is owned by CMETB and is currently occupied by Cavan Institute at Cathedral Road in the town. This proposal is currently at the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage.
While there are no plans to extend the FET College Major Capital Programme beyond the projects already selected for progression under it, my Department provides devolved funding to the ETB sector with full autonomy on decisions relating to the deployment of the grant resting with the individual ETBs. Devolved funding is provided in 2026 under the Devolved Capital Grant for small-scale capital projects, such as ongoing maintenance, planned preventative maintenance works and health and safety needs across the FET estate, and under the Green Devolved Grant, to support ETBs in enhancing the operational sustainability of ETB-owned buildings within the FET estate, focusing on low energy consumption, high energy efficiency, and reduced carbon impact.
Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) received the following devolved funding allocations for 2026:
• Devolved Capital Grant € 652,500
• Green Devolved Capital Grant € 652,500
Other funding recently issued to CMETB for facilities in County Monaghan as follows:
|
Year Completed |
Funding Stream |
Facility |
Works |
Value |
|
2023 |
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
Tanagh FET Centre |
Electrical |
€ 315 K |
|
2025 |
Apprenticeship Funding |
Milltown Training Centre |
Building / Equipment for Original Equipment Manufacturer Training |
€ 1.1m |
|
2025 |
Devolved Funding for Specific Purposes |
Cavan / Monaghan ETB |
Innovation through Collaboration |
€ 343 K |