Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the €112,000 debt write-off facilitated by SOLAS to a charity (details supplied); if such was discussed by SOLAS with his Department; if any concerns were raised on the matter; if he believes there should be a Garda investigation both into the collection of the funds by a charity in Waterford from two educational training boards and the spending of moneys by the charity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20544/22]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is considering a request to write off the amounts paid by two ETBs to the Waterford company concerned and I am aware that the Gardaí were conducting an assessment following a potential Disclosure at the relevant company. My Department has engaged with SOLAS in relation to the request and is currently seeking legal advice in relation to this matter.

Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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1208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the oversight or review bodies that were involved in ascertaining the value of land (details supplied) prior to purchase; the individual activities undertaken by these bodies in terms of cost-benefit analysis, independent land price review and adherence to college strategic funding plans; the degree of variance that existed between these bodies or agents reports recommendations and the final price paid; the way that these processes intersect with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and Higher Education Authority oversight; the length of time this process takes from its inception date; the way that the process concluded ultimately closing out the acquisition at this price range; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20624/22]

Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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1209. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the terms of a leaseback (details supplied); the monetary agreement that exists for extending use to the club; the period under agreement for which the club continues to enjoy access to the landholding; the capital plan available or published by Galway and Mayo Institute of Technology that outlines an estimated start date for new construction on this site; the details of the construction plan; the build tender dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20625/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1208 and 1209 together.

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.  The purchase of the Crowley Park site in Galway will facilitate expansion and future development of the new Atlantic TU in a strategic location.

Acquisition of the Crowley Park site to facilitate future expansion was a strategic objective of GMIT, and the subject of detailed engagement between GMIT, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (as well as previously the Department of Education and Skills) over many years.  Efforts were made by GMIT to acquire the site as far back as 2007 and again in 2018.  While GMIT was outbid on both of these occasions, the sale to the highest bidder ultimately did not proceed.

In February 2021, GMIT submitted an updated business case which clearly set out the rationale for the acquisition of the site in the context of the development of the new TU.  The business case was also supported by two independent valuations.   

The acquisition was approved, following detailed assessment of the business case and supporting documentation, by the HEA, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.  The approval process was in line with legislation and with Section 8.19 of the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) Code of Governance.

The final price paid by GMIT, following negotiation, was 5% above the valuation provided by the State Valuations Office but under the valuation provided by the commercial valuer. 

As part of the sale agreement, a licence was granted to Galwegians Rugby Football Club to share the sports facilities on the site with ATU for up to 9 years and 11 months.  The licence fee starts at €12,500 ex VAT in years 1-3 and increases incrementally, reaching €27,000 ex VAT by year 7 of the licence period.

The acquisition unlocks significant potential for the future strategic development of ATU alongside its main Galway campus, in an area in which there are very few available sites for development.  In the medium term, and pending the development of detailed construction plans, the land will continue to be used by ATU for essential campus sporting facilities and for car parking.