Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

170. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the new building for Dunboyne College of Further Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37298/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for his question. Louth Meath ETB (LMETB) is currently being supported by SOLAS in developing its Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Dunboyne under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund.

The proposal submitted by LMETB involves the construction of a new, fit-for-purpose facility on a greenfield site in Dunboyne. This new facility is intended to replace the current rented accommodation in Dunboyne and is one of twelve projects currently being advanced under this fund.

LMETB is currently refining their business case proposal and once completed it will be submitted to SOLAS for evaluation. The evaluation panel will be available to meet as soon as the updated Business Case is received. Business Cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: Pre-Tender – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.

In parallel to this work, LMETB is also progressing work on a preferred site option for the location of this new FET College. In this respect, officials from my department and SOLAS have been engaging with Local Authority and ETB officials to progress this matter, this remains ongoing.

My department and I remain committed to delivering these key projects for the sector which will deliver state of the art facilities to meet the needs of our learners and teaching staff in the Dunboyne environs and across the region.