George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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516. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress on the Wexford campus of the South-East Technological University; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23479/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his question regarding the proposed SETU Campus in Wexford. SETU is currently developing its Preliminary Business Case, in collaboration with Waterford and Wexford ETB, to deliver a new tertiary campus in Wexford town incorporating Higher Education, Further Education, and Research.

I understand that a number of engagements have already taken place between SETU and WWETB on this initiative, and that a full business case proposal is expected to be prepared and submitted in the coming months. Both the HEA and my Department stand ready to evaluate the proposal once it has been developed and submitted.

In parallel to the work that is ongoing in developing the business case proposal, Wexford County Council (WCC) are progressing the purchase of a 48.5-acre site by way of a compulsory purchase order (CPO). Wexford County Council issued the “Notice of Entry” under the compulsory purchase order process in November 2025 and have now taken active possession of the lands.

This is a key strategic acquisition which will hugely benefit Wexford and the South East. The Tertiary education campus is just one component of an overall masterplan for the area which will also include a range of other different uses including housing, schools, sports facilities and transport links. Wexford County Council are leading out on developing the overall masterplan for the area.