Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish Mr. Boland well in his task. I will be available to assist on the project as a representative of the Wexford constituency. The south east is experiencing a period of significant change due to rapid population increase. In an economy that is diversifying in light of the shifting annual European and global environments, new patterns of population distribution particular to the county as a whole have come about, with easy access to the regions though the road infrastructure being one of the contributing factors. A technological university of international standing will be a key component of the infrastructure which is required to drive sustainable regional economic and social development. In particular, Wexford must have a new university campus in the immediate future to enable the county to retain a trained and highly skilled work force that will attract a fair portion of foreign direct investment which is badly needed there. I envisage that the campus would host the science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, courses which are essential as the cohesive force for a centre of knowledge. The Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Communications, Climate Action and Environment already being in situin Wexford will enable research and innovation to assist such courses in the region. Can the Minister confirm that he is committed to establishing a university campus in Wexford?

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