Erin McGreehan
Ceist:94. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to detail the investment being made into further education in County Louth. [50088/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 July 2026
Ceisteanna (94)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department is committed to supporting a FET sector that enables individuals to succeed, strengthens economic growth, supports communities, and equips the workforce to meet future challenges. This commitment is reflected in significant investment.
SOLAS is responsible for distributing funding across the sector, including allocations to individual ETBs. In 2026, my Department is allocating €1.2 billion in current funding to SOLAS. Of this, SOLAS is allocating €1.1 billion to ETBs, which deliver the majority of FET provision. Neither my Department nor SOLAS allocate funding on a county-by-county basis.
SOLAS has allocated €78 million to Louth Meath ETB in 2026, representing an increase of over €4 million compared to 2025. It is the responsibility of LMETB to allocate this funding across the region, in line with local needs and priorities.
FET provision encompasses both full and part time provisions across the region. LMETB deliver FET provision on 10 sites within Louth, as well as a range of community based settings.
Approval has been granted under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund to proceed to tender for a significant project at Drogheda Institute of Further Education.
A key investment is the Advanced Manufacturing and Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, with €26 million invested. Established in 2021, I was delighted to officially open the centre in March 2025. Supported by my Department via SOLAS and Enterprise Ireland, it provides cutting-edge training aligned to manufacturing skills needs.
All allocations are set out in the Revised Estimates, with SOLAS and LMETB responsible for their management.
Questions Nos. 95 and 96 answered orally.