Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The preparation of a strategic development plan by a TU is entirely a matter for the technological university in question in accordance with the provisions set out in section 18 of the TU Act 2018. Neither I as Minister nor my Department has a function in the matter.

Similarly, the location of any campus is a matter for a TU as an autonomous higher education institution and again neither I nor my Department have any function in this regard.

I consider the TU to be as its name indicates, a TU for all in the South East. In that context I note that the new SETU strategic development plan “Connecting for Impact 2023-2028” launched on 22 and 23 May cites a strategic objective to lead and deepen strategic, partnerships with government, local authorities, education sector, public sector, enterprise, culture, voluntary and community organisations within the south east to maximise regional cohesion and impact, enhance capacity to plan for and respond dynamically to current and emerging skills and educational needs of employers, and to enhance regional productivity, growth and sustainability.

The SETU plan cites as an action under this objective to establish a working group, to include Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Chamber, to explore how SETU can support specific activity based in Kilkenny in a manner that creates beneficial additionality to the TU’s portfolio and is sustainable long-term.