Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
1512. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline plans for a college (details supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40115/26]
View answerI would first like to recognise the outstanding contribution of this private college to education in Ireland throughout its 240-year history.
Following an independent review of the College’s financial position in 2024, South East Technological University (SETU), as the anchor institution in the region, undertook to engage with the college and the Department on the future its future and higher education in the region.
Since then, a detailed process of engagement has been undertaken. Following a full due diligence process, which concluded in the first quarter of 2026, both institutions worked constructively to develop a framework designed to serve the best interests of the College's students and staff and the future of higher education provision in the region.
Arising from this engagement, both providers have jointly identified and put forward their preferred arrangements, which my Department is supportive of. This framework provides for the managed and orderly completion of the College’s remaining academic programmes, with these to conclude by August 2028. Crucially, under these arrangements, the College will retain full responsibility and academic autonomy in respect of the delivery as all remaining programmes are completed.
As a privately run education institution operating outside the publicly funded higher education system, it does not receive core Exchequer funding, but it has, to date, received support by way of a grant in lieu of tuition fees for approved programmes.
I have been reassured that these arrangements ensure that all students currently enrolled will be able to complete their courses and achieve their intended qualifications without any disadvantage to their studies.
The agreement also provides for the transfer of the College lands and buildings to SETU at the conclusion of its academic activities. A key objective throughout has been to ensure that the region continues to benefit from strong access to high-quality higher education, led by SETU.
While SETU, as an autonomous institution, will determine the future use of the campus, I have made clear that the overarching purpose of these arrangements is to support and strengthen educational provision in the region. It is expected that the site will be utilised in a way that supports SETU’s educational mission, regional development and the enhancement of university infrastructure, potentially also including student accommodation where appropriate.
The college has advised the Central Applications Office (CAO) to withdraw its courses from the CAO website for 2026 and acted to provide information to applicants on updating their choices through the CAO Change of Mind facility. As a private institution, the College have also committed in their recent announcement to continuing to work closely with students, staff, regulating bodies, and other stakeholders in relation to the conclusion of academic activities.
With the removal of these academic programmes from the CAO, the Department is cognisant of the need in the coming years to enable and expand provision in areas such as Social Care, Psychology and Arts and Humanities, and will engage constructively with SETU on this, in line with national policy.
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the constructive and collaborative approach taken by all parties involved, including the leadership in both institutions, in reaching this agreement.
