Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
423. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the up to date progress with the Pretty Polly site in Killarney, County Kerry as a centre for training and education. [14974/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question. Kerry ETB are currently being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Killarney under the Further Education and Training (FET) College of the Future Major Projects fund. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. The proposal put forward by Kerry ETB is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.
Kerry ETB’s proposal is expected to encompass the transformation of FET provision in the area by developing a state-of-the-art campus focussing on skills development in Hospitality Training, while supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies. SOLAS are currently engaging with Kerry ETB in relation to the site and further engagement is planned with representatives from Kerry ETB, Kerry County Council and SOLAS.
SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support Kerry ETB in the development of its' proposal. My department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff in Kerry and the wider south east region.
