Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for providing me with the opportunity to set out the position of this project for the south east. I heard what he said about the figures regarding educational access and the need to improve that in the south east. My Department and I are supportive of the need to work collaboratively with the SETU via the HEA to advance this project. Capital investment is a key priority for my Department and I recognise the importance of developing, enhancing and supporting the new TU sector to allow it to provide high-quality campuses for teaching, learning and research.

At the moment, the CPO process is currently at the notice to treat stage. It is the intention that a portion of this site will be used to facilitate a new Wexford campus for SETU, with the remainder of the site being developed by Wexford County Council. SETU has submitted its business case for the proposed development of the site to the HEA for evaluation. If that business case is approved, it will feed into the overall master plan currently being prepared by Wexford County Council for the subject bands.

The Senator mentioned the legal challenge that has lodged by the landowner. That is due to be heard in May. It is important to recognise that the purpose of the hearing is to consider the merits of the landowner's application for a judicial review. That means a judicial review has not yet been granted. That is where we are at present. I am happy to speak to the Senator and to the senior Minister regarding the progress on this matter.