Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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115. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of plans to upgrade the 1970's building in Munster Technological University, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58502/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Munster Technological University (MTU) received approval in principle in December 2019 for exchequer funding in the amount of €18.75m for extensive upgrade and refurbishment of the 1974 Building at its Cork Campus. This funding represents a key investment for the Campus and will further boost the role played by MTU as a driver of economic development in the southern region.

The 1974 building caters for a large proportion of the MTU Cork student population, with approximately 85% of the Faculty of Engineering and Science being accommodated within the building. The investment will facilitate the continued growth of MTU Cork’s STEM provision, in line with the objectives of the National Skills Strategy 2025, demographic growth projections and industry needs in the region and nationally.

The works are scheduled by MTU to be delivered on a phased basis, To date, three work packages have been completed with a fourth package of works due to be completed by the end of 2021. Further packages of works are scheduled over the 2022 -2025 period.

As of November 2021 €5.085m of the approved project funding has been drawn down by MTU.