David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

95. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of plans and funding to expand the Waterford Institute of Technology campus in preparation for the technological university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5550/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) continue to work closely with Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in relation to the infrastructure required to deliver on the ambitions of the new Technological University.

WIT has been 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. A Preliminary Business Case was recently received by the HEA from WIT and will be appraised over the coming weeks. The level of capital costs of future campus development and timeline for delivery can only be determined following a detailed planning and design process; however, investment is likely to be on a phased basis and situated within the context of a wider investment programme for the TU sector.

The new Engineering, Computing and General Teaching building which is planned for Waterford Institute of Technology is progressing as part of bundle II of the 'Higher Education PPP Programme'.This building will add significant capacity to the Waterford campus to help address the increased demand. At almost 13,000 m², it is the largest of all projects under the Programme and is expected to add space for in excess of 1,000 additional students. Bundle II projects are currently at procurement stage, with construction anticipated to commence in Q1 2023. The Waterford IT Engineering, Computing and General Teaching building is due to be completed in Q2 2025.

In addition, a deep fabric retrofit to the Business School in WIT is at design stage under the 2021 Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme.