Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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377. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current position regarding the development of the old Pretty Polly facility in Killarney as a new training centre of excellence; if the site transfer from Kerry County Council to Kerry ETB has been completed; if not, if there is a cause for the delay; if this delay can be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43602/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that Kerry ETB are being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for the proposed infrastructure that will be delivered in Killarney under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. The proposal put forward by KETB is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.

Kerry ETB’s proposal is expected to encompass the transformation of FET provision in the area by developing a state-of-the-art campus focussing on skills development in Hospitality Training, while supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies.

I understand SOLAS are currently engaging with Kerry ETB in relation to the site and while a site acquisition has not yet being completed, further engagement is planned with representatives from Kerry ETB, Kerry County Council and SOLAS shortly, this will inform next steps in the process.

In parallel, Kerry ETB are currently working on refining their business case proposal and will have the opportunity to submit this proposal to the next evaluation meeting which is targeted for early 2025. Following evaluation, business cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: Pre-Tender – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy.

SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support Kerry ETB in relation to their FET College of the Future proposal and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff.