David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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152. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has given recent consideration to providing capital funding for an engineering block at Waterford Institute of Technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38519/16]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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153. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration is being given to provide funding to extend laboratory space for science based subjects at Waterford Institute of Technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38520/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to takes Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

The Department of Education and Skills is aware of the infrastructural challenges faced by Waterford Institute of Technology. The proposed facilities referred to by the Deputy are among the many competing demands on the Department’s capital budget for higher education.

The Department has provided over €17m in capital Exchequer funding to Waterford Institute of Technology since 2010. Of this total, €5.4m was allocated to the Institute by means of devolved grants. The purpose of the devolved grant is to facilitate institutions in undertaking small-scale building works, refurbishment works and equipment upgrade and renewal.

Funding for the proposed facilities will be considered within the context of competing demands.  I am not in a position to commit to a funding allocation at this point.