Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
1505. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to expedite the Kerry Marine Education and Training Campus to be established in Cahersiveen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works collaboratively with all Higher Education Institutions and Education and Training Boards on the development of capital projects in line with their established masterplans. In 2022, Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB) submitted an application under the FET Colleges Major Capital Programme for development of a Marine Education and Training Campus. However, the evaluation panel for the programme deemed the proposal unsuitable for investment, and it did not progress further. At present, no new major capital call is envisaged for the next number of years.
My department is leading a multi-faceted approach to build the skills base needed for a successful offshore renewable energy sector. An Expert Advisory Group comprising industry and tertiary sector representatives has been established to progress the actions within the Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan (2024). Working with this group and with ongoing input from DETE and Enterprise Ireland, my department is working on the development of a National Skills Training Hub for Offshore Wind. In the first instance, this Hub will be an online facility, with later iterations envisaged as a physical facility that will draw upon and integrate existing educational and infrastructure provision. The first iteration of the Hub is due for delivery in Q4 2026.
