Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. It is good to hear there is a pathway in place to see these projects delivered in a timely manner, especially the college of further education in Mayo. It is positive news to hear that there is engagement with the county council on the preferred site at the military barracks. The key consideration for this college will be site selection to serve the needs not just of the students but also of the town and to make it a hub for people to come visit and to get educated. On the back of that, I emphasise it is important that in tandem with ATU and the college of further education we will look at the broader issue of student accommodation. I am aware the Minister is working tremendously hard on that, but there is a shortage of accommodation in Mayo for students. There is a need to not just look at our main cities and universities, but also at the technological universities and the FETs so they are encouraged to submit applications to the Department for small- or medium-type developments. We should also incentivise local authorities to look at suitable sites so builders are encouraged to put in applications. The Minister is working tremendously hard on that, but this is an opportunity to raise it.

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