Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1651. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will acknowledge the importance of the hospitality industry to County Kerry and Ireland by expediting the development of a training centre for the hospitality sector at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29437/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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SOLAS continue to support Kerry ETB in the development of its Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Killarney under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The proposal is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.

It is envisaged that the remaining projects at PBC stage under this programme call will be assessed this year and that those that meet the relevant criteria will also progress to the next stage. Upon receipt of a Preliminary Business Case from KETB, SOLAS will promptly assemble an evaluation panel to assess its business case.

In parallel to the development of its PBC, SOLAS are also supporting Kerry ETB in its development of a submission to support the purchase of a suitable site for its proposed College of the Future project.

Substantial engagement has taken place between Kerry ETB and Kerry County Council regarding suitable sites in Killarney. SOLAS and officials from my department have also been working closely with the local authority and Kerry ETB in progressing this.

My department and 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 region.