Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
920. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for capital investment in higher education facilities in county Leitrim over the next three years. [68644/26]
View answerMy Department works in close collaboration with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) on the planning and development of capital projects in line with their?established masterplans.
Under the National Development Plan, capital investment is allocated to HEIs and ETBs through competitive, programmatic funding calls. These are managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and SOLAS respectively. Capital projects are considered where a clear and validated need has been identified. This assessment takes into account the existing infrastructure of the institution and demonstrable demand for expansion or enhancement. Institutions in both the Higher Education and Further Education and Training sectors are eligible to apply for funding when approved programmes are announced.
My Department has not been made aware of any plans to develop higher education facilities in County Leitrim, however, the Deputy may wish to note that my Department is supporting capital investment in Further Education and Training (FET) infrastructure in County Leitrim, in conjunction with Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB (MSLETB). This includes the proposed refurbishment of the Mohill FET Centre in County Leitrim, under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Programme. It is planned that the former Vocational School in Mohill will be redeveloped as a FET campus and will include Mohill Youthreach, which is currently accommodated in a temporary premises.
In addition, MSLETB received in 2026 an allocation of €761,250 under the annual Devolved Capital Grant and a further allocation of €761,250 under the Green Devolved Capital Grant. These grants support capital investment across the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim FET estates, including a range of small-scale projects such as ongoing maintenance, planned preventative maintenance works, health and safety needs, and measures to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of ETB owned property. ETBs have full autonomy of decision-making in relation to deployment of these grants.
