Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It is a priority for my Department to support higher education institutions (HEIs) in their critical role as drivers of social and economic development in their regions. Funding for capital works is generally distributed through the HEA and SOLAS to higher education institutions and ETBs in the form of project-specific grants or devolved grant type funding.

Specific projects which are currently identified for funding within the Limerick area include the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Coonagh campus Engineering Building project, the TUS Moylish campus PPP STEM building, and mechanical and electrical works at Limerick College of Further Education.

The devolved capital grant funding which issues to the higher and further education sectors allows eligible HEIs and ETBs the flexibility to advance minor capital works (including health and safety works, access works, refurbishment and energy upgrades) and equipment purchase or renewal, including ICT. It is the responsibility of individual HEIs/ETBs to prioritise the works against which the funding will be deployed.

The full allocation for this capital grant scheme issued to the FET sector for the 2021 calendar year in April 2021. An initial round of funding issued to the HE sector for the 2021/2022 academic year in August 2021 with a further tranche due to issue before the year end.

The recently launched National Development Plan confirmed overall capital allocations for the period to 2025. I expect competitive programmes to be launched in the coming months that will allow HEIs and ETBs, including those in Limerick, to put forward additional proposals that address strategic priorities for the sector.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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75. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the progression of an application by a college (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49851/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) is currently working with SOLAS on the establishment of Mayo College of Further Education and Training. Included in this is a proposal from the ETB to redevelop the facilities and buildings at the address referred to by the Deputy.

SOLAS, in conjunction with my Department, is currently in the process of developing a capital application process for strategic capital projects. Once this becomes available, MSLETB will have the opportunity to submit a capital application for this project which will then be considered by SOLAS as part of the overall capital strategy for the sector.