James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the Deputy's interest, and indeed the interest of the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, in all items on the west coast, and this development no less.

I know the Deputy is well 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 proposal put forward by Galway and Roscommon ETB relates to the development of a new state-of-the-art FET campus on a site adjacent to the Mervue training facility. Due to the close proximity of this training centre to Atlantic Technological University, ATU, and the University of Galway, the new development proposes to strengthen tertiary provision in Galway city and in the wider region. I understand GRETB has submitted its business case proposal to SOLAS for evaluation, which is currently targeted to take place in early April. 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.

The funding envelope referred to by the Deputy relates to part of my Department's overall capital NDP allocation and provides for initial funding for the establishment of four new capital programmes. The FET college of the future major projects fund was established to address existing deficits in FET infrastructure and to support projects that drive reform and facilitate consolidation and integration of further education and training. The strategic infrastructure upgrade fund was established to support smaller scale investments in existing FET infrastructure. The technological sector strategic projects fund was put in place to provide additional capacity to strengthen the role of TUs as drivers of regional development. The higher education strategic infrastructure fund was open to all higher education institutions to co-fund strategic projects to a maximum of 50% to deliver high-quality infrastructure for higher education institutions. Those capital investment programmes have supported an ambitious transformation agenda across both sectors and will help ensure that our campuses are flexible and future-proofed to meet the needs of our learners and teaching staff.

As regards the allocation of the overall funding, the overall approach the Deputy has asked me about, I know it is kind of a multi-part question but, as regards the big line items, I hope my reply gives some information.

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