Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that Galway and Roscommon ETB is being supported by SOLAS in developing its preliminary business case proposal under the FET college of the future major projects fund. The development of a robust preliminary business case is fundamental to the requirements of the infrastructure guidelines. The proposal put forward by Galway and Roscommon ETB is one of 12 projects that are currently being progressed under the fund.

As the Deputy is aware, the Galway and Roscommon ETB proposal relates to the development of a new state-of-the-art FET campus on a site adjacent to its Mervue training facility. This proposed new development would facilitate the strengthening of FET provision in Galway city and the wider region due to its close proximity to the training centre in Mervue, the Atlantic Technological University and the University of Galway.

SOLAS and officials from my Department met representatives of all 12 ETBs, including Galway and Roscommon ETB, in April and May of this year to discuss their proposals in the context of affordability, value for money and relevant regional and national FET policy objectives. ETBs were asked to refine their business case proposals to ensure they will deliver on priority infrastructure requirements that will meet the needs of their current and future learners and staff.

Galway and Roscommon ETB is currently working on its business case proposal and will have the opportunity to submit it at the next evaluation meeting, which is targeted for January 2025. Following evaluation, business cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: pre-tender – project design, planning, and procurement strategy.

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