Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
1349. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timelines for when the PBC will be completed for the Swords College of the Future; when the due diligence for the preferred site option will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37872/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB) are currently being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case for their proposal under the FET College Major Capital Programme. My Department officials and SOLAS stand ready to evaluate the Preliminary Business Case as soon as it is submitted.
In parallel to this work, DDLETB is also progressing work on a site option in Swords for the location of this new FET College. Ministerial approval was previously provided to DDLETB in July 2025 to enter negotiations with a property owner, to agree a price and to begin legal and site due diligence on a particular site. I understand that despite the best efforts of DDLETB, they were not able to complete the legal due diligence on the site due to a number of issues remaining outstanding including access and site boundaries.
In the past week, SOLAS has notified my department that the property owner has sold a portion of the site to another party. My department continues to engage with SOLAS and DDLETB to consider whether the remaining lands of the site would be suitable for this project or whether other site options may need to be considered.
Along with SOLAS, my department will continue to support DDLETB in progressing this major capital project which will deliver key FET infrastructure to meet the needs of learners in Fingal and surrounding areas.
