Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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67. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on a new building for college (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54273/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. Louth Meath ETB (LMETB) has recently submitted its' updated Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund to SOLAS. The proposal details the infrastructure that the ETB wish to deliver in Dunboyne.

In terms of next steps, SOLAS will be shortly convening an evaluation panel to review this proposal. 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.

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.

In parallel to this work, LMETB is also progressing work on a preferred site option for the location of this new FET College. A price has been agreed with the vendor of the site, and the relevant due diligence is currently being carried out, this work remains ongoing.

SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support LMETB through the next stage of the development of its proposal. 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 the Dunboyne area and broader region.