Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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439. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a new borrowing framework for the Technological University for the South East Ireland will allow and include borrowing to support capital developments in both teaching buildings and systems and student accommodation units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55916/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently seeking to progress a sector wide borrowing framework for TUs in line with the recommendations of the 2019 TURN report. Although at a relatively preliminary stage, it is anticipated that in the first instance any borrowing framework would prioritise the provision of purpose built student accommodation in line with commitments in the Government's Housing for All plan.

Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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440. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new Technological University for the South East Ireland will be the only third-level designated institution in the region; if the proposed capital funding programme to support the new technological university development will not be capped to the same conditions as others designated under the legislation given that they are supported by national university partners in their regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55918/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I remain committed to expanding the imprint of higher education across the south east region. IT Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) have been very clear that the new TU will serve the entire South East region. This will include a larger footprint for higher education in Waterford and the acquisition of a site to accommodate a purpose-built campus in Wexford.

WIT is currently undertaking an appraisal process, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, to examine options for expanded provision. This analysis takes account of factors such as the planned population growth in Waterford, regional and national skills needs, and existing campus capacity. The level of capital costs of future campus development can only be determined following a detailed planning and design process and investment is likely to be on a phased basis.

I can also confirm that IT Carlow has been approved, within certain value for money parameters, to acquire suitable lands in Wexford to facilitate the development of a new campus there.

These developments are in addition to two significant building projects, one in Carlow and one in Waterford, being advanced through the higher education PPP programme.

My Department and the HEA will continue to work closely with the institutions involved in relation to the infrastructure required to deliver on the ambitions of the new Technological University.