Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the reference I made to €1 million was in respect of money given to the technological universities for planning for student accommodation. We have a much larger capital budget available. In fact, we have a new fund, the technological sector strategic projects fund, TSSPF. That fund will be available to Professor Campbell and others to take forward projects, including the project at the Wexford campus.

The Deputy is right about the issue of research. One of the big game-changers for technological universities is access to education in the regions but also that research function and the ability to collaborate with industry. I too hear from business leaders, IDA Ireland and others that it is key to securing successful foreign direct investment, which I know is a key ask and issue for the people of Wexford.

Sequentially, what we need to do is to secure the site and allow the CPO process to conclude. We need that to conclude with a degree of urgency and haste. I will then be working very closely with the SETU on its master plan for the Wexford campus. It is a matter for it to determine which courses it wishes to provide on which campus but I will work closely with its representatives.

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