Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department and the Higher Education Authority are currently engaging with SETU to advance a number of capital projects across the SETU campuses. A new Engineering, Computing and General Teaching building planned for SETU Waterford and a Science and Health Building at SETU Carlow are being progressed within the parameters of bundle II of the Higher Education PPP Programme. SETU has also received approval in principle for a project under the Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme.

On the 20 November 2023 SETU signed final contracts to purchase 20.3 acres of the Waterford Crystal site . With the assistance of the HEA, SETU will now proceed to develop a Business Case for the development of the proposed site under our Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund.

It is proposed that the first phase of the development of this site would provide for further teaching space and research facilities to enhance research and innovation activity.

I confirmed on 9 November 2023 that the acquisition of the Wexford Town site had progressed significantly with Wexford County Council having moved to the final stages of the CPO process with the “Notice to Treat” being served. The issuing of this notice is a significant milestone as it places obligations on both the Local Authority and the land owner.

Wexford County Council are now working with SETU to develop a masterplan for the entire site, part of which will facilitate a new higher education campus for Wexford. In parallel to this, SETU is engaging with the Higher Education Authority to develop a Business Case for the development of the site under the Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund.

These developments reflect my long term commitment to meeting the capital needs of SETU, in line with Public Infrastructure Guidelines and the National Development Plan