Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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239. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in carrying out of a cost-benefit analysis in relation to the expansion of the footprint of Waterford Institute of Technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21505/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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 Technological University.

WIT has prepared a detailed preliminary business case, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, to examine options for expanded provision.  The final document was submitted to the HEA in late January 2022 and is under active consideration.  The Deputy will appreciate that an investment of the scale proposed by WIT requires detailed assessment, including full review of available options, in order to ensure that value for money is secured for the taxpayer. 

All property acquisition or capital development proposals involving public funds are subject to this robust assessment.