Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1254. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to expedite a site in Killarney, County Kerry as a centre for training and education to service the hospitality sector, (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10016/26]
View answerKerry ETB are currently progressing their proposal for a purpose-built FET college in Killarney under my department’s FET College Major Capital Programme. At the end of last year, I gave my approval for Kerry ETB to proceed and agree a price with Kerry County Council on the former Pretty Polly site and to commence the relevant site and legal due diligence, this is ongoing. In parallel to the work on the site, SOLAS are also supporting KETB in developing their Preliminary Business Case for the proposed infrastructure they would like delivered on the site. Once KETB have completed this business case, it will be submitted to SOLAS for evaluation. The proposal put forward by KETB under the FET College Major Capital programme aims to transform FET provision in Killarney into a state-of-the-art campus primarily focusing on skills development in Hospitality Training. My department officials recently met with all 12 of the Chief Executives who have projects under this programme last month, including Kerry ETB. At this meeting ETBs were informed that they need to prioritise the work on these proposals in 2026. 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 region.
