Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 March 2026
2314. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the Ionad Oideachais agus Óige Indreabhán; the progress made to date; the forthcoming stages of the project lifecycle and the expected timelines for completion; and the estimated cost range for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20674/26]
View answerThe development, in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta, of the Ionad Oideachais agus Óige in Indreabhán is one of my Department’s strategic priorities under the National Development Plan. The aim of this project is to build a modern, multi-purpose facility to replace the existing Údarás-owned building currently used by Coláiste Lurgan. The new facility, which is designed for year-round use, will be operated by Údarás na Gaeltachta outside the summer season as an education, youth and community facility for use by the community and will support Coláiste Lurgan’s summer college programme during the summer months. A Grant of €314,280 was awarded by my Department on 12/06/2023 for the design stage of the project including professional services, preparation of a planning application and the preparation and issuing of tender documents. Planning Permission was obtained for the project in 2024. Tender documents were issued on the eTenders platform on 06/02/2026 for the procurement of a contractor to undertake the construction stage of the development. The deadline for receipt of tenders is 27/03/26. The cost of the construction stage of the project is estimated at circa €9,000,000. A detailed timeline for the next stages cannot be provided until the completion of the tendering process. However, it is expected to have the new facility operational in 2028.
