Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1706. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for a detailed up-to-date report on a site in Killarney (details supplied) earmarked for development as a training college for the hospitality industry; if this important project for Killarney and County Kerry will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46910/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. Kerry ETB are currently being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for 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.

KETB’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.

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

In parallel to this work, KETB are also 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 the first quarter of this year. 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 KETB in the development of their proposal. I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff in Kerry and the wider south east region.