Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
192. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the current status of the proposed Swords College of the Future; the progress that has been made since the project received Government approval to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34691/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB) are currently being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) for their proposal under the FET College Major Capital Programme. The proposal put forward by DDLETB is expected to encompass the transformation of FET provision in the area by developing a state-of-the-art further education campus to drive economic growth and social development.
In parallel to this work, DDLETB is also progressing work on a preferred site option for the location of this new FET College. Following a robust evaluation of a number of sites, a preferred site option was identified in Swords. The site preference for this new college is Swords due to its population base and future growth projections. DDLETB is currently undertaking the relevant legal and site due diligence for its preferred site which is a key requirement to the progression of all property acquisition, this work remains ongoing.
SOLAS and my department will endeavour to continue to support DDLETB in progressing this major capital project which will deliver key FET infrastructure to meet the needs of learners and teachers in Fingal and surrounding areas.
