Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
206. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the proposed major building project at Cavan Institute will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34848/26]
View answerThe FET College Major Capital Programme is a key commitment of the Programme for Government which aims to address shortfalls in existing FET infrastructure, support projects that drive reform across the sector by consolidating provision and integrating further education and training. This programme will deliver the largest-ever capital investment in Further Education and Training.
There are 12 projects including the project proposed by Cavan Monaghan ETB progressing under the FET College Major Capital Programme. The Cavan and Monaghan ETBs proposal provides for a new integrated state-of-the-art education and training facility on their Cathedral Road campus. This proposal is at the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy Stage of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
In order to provide for consistency of approach and to ensure timely delivery of projects under this programme, an integrated design team framework has been advertised to suppliers in April this year. This framework will be in place for all ETBs who are ready to draw down services from it later this year. Therefore, with this framework in place, I expect to see a number of design team appointments under this programme before the end of the year.
This programme is a key priority for me. It invests in people by expanding choices for young people and helping adults gain new skills, thus making education accessible to everyone.
