Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
119. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the status of each of college of future FET projects proposed throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50243/26]
View answerThe objective of the FET College Major Capital Programme (FCMCP) is to address existing deficits in current FET infrastructure and support projects that drive reform of the FET sector through consolidation of provision and integration of further education and training.
Twelve project proposals are currently being progressed under the FCMCP. Nine of the proposals have been approved to move to the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy Stage. These are proposals from Galway Roscommon ETB, Cork ETB, Cavan Monaghan FET, Kilkenny Carlow ETB, Kildare Wicklow ETB, Limerick Clare ETB, Tipperary ETB, City of Dublin ETB and Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB.
The remaining three which are located at DDLETB, KETB and LMETB require a site to support their proposal and are at varying stages of development as part of the Preliminary Business Case stage. An essential requirement for advancing a project through Approval Gate 1 is the confirmation of a site.
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 this year.
This capital programme remains a priority for me and my department and I am committed to progressing these key projects for FET learners and teachers across the country.
