Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a commitment will be given that funding and development for the WIT campus at Waterford will proceed regardless of other developmental issues that may arise in the other campus areas of Carlow and Wexford with respect to the revised National Development Plan which stipulates expansion of the WIT campus area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49586/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have been clear in my commitment to expanding the imprint of higher education in the south east region. This commitment includes a larger footprint for higher education in Waterford - a city which is targeted for compact and sustainable population growth under Project Ireland 2040.

The Deputy is aware of the new engineering, ICT and teaching building which is planned for the WIT campus as part of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme. This building will add significant capacity to the Waterford campus to help address the increased demand. At almost 13,000 sqm, this is by far the largest of all projects under Programme and is expected to add space for in excess of 1,000 additional students.

In addition, officials from my Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) continue to work closely with WIT in relation to options for expanded campus provision. A detailed capital appraisal process is currently being undertaken by WIT, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.

While important investments are planned for Carlow and Wexford, I am clear that this must be in addition to the further development of higher education in Waterford. Waterford, as one of Ireland's five cities, has a crucial role to play in realising the ambitions of Project Ireland 2040, and a dynamic and expanded higher education presence must be supported to deliver on those ambitions.