Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
906. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for capital investment in further education facilities in Leitrim over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28063/26]
View answerA key strategy priority for my Department is to promote balanced regional development. Through capital investment we are strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure, and supporting local communities across the country. In this regard, my Department works collaboratively, through SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) on the development and delivery of capital projects for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector.
FET capital funding programmes are continuously monitored to ensure they remain fit for purpose and aligned with national and regional strategic priorities. SOLAS continue to work with Mayo Sligo and Leitrim ETB (MSLETB), to ensure that appropriate infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of learners and staff across their entire estate.
The Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Programme (SIUP), was established to provide high-quality teaching and learning environments for FET learners and staff, aligned with the principles of the FET Major Capital Projects Programme.
Under this SIUP call, nineteen projects were approved across all ETB areas. MSLETB were one of the successful applicants under this call, for a project to provide for an extension and refurbishment of an ETB owned building in Mohill, Co Leitrim. When completed, this project will provide a state-of-the-art facility for Youthreach learners in the area. I can confirm to the Deputy, that planning permission has been obtained by MSLETB for the project, and that this project is expected to proceed to tender stage in the coming months.
In addition, my Department also provides Devolved and Green Devolved Grants to the ETB sector, with full autonomy on decisions relating to the deployment of the grant resting with the individual ETBs. This devolved funding supports small-scale building works, and equipment purchases, including renewal and flexible funding to enhance the operational sustainability of ETB-owned buildings within the FET estate, focusing on low energy. Over the past 5 years MSLETB has received c. €6m in Devolved and Green Devolved funding.
