Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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242. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the next phase of the development of the College of the Future project at a location (details supplied) which was given the green light in October 2024, in particular a timeline; the expected impact of this pioneering co-located campus for both further and higher education on learners, businesses and the wider community in Tipperary and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25219/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The FET College Major Capital Programme (FCMCP) was devised to address existing deficits in current FET infrastructure and to support projects that drive reform of the FET sector through consolidation of provision and integration of further education and training. Twelve project proposals are currently being progressed under this programme. Eight of the proposals have been approved to move to the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy Stage, one of which is the proposal by Tipperary ETB (TETB) at the Kickham Barracks site in Clonmel.

TETBs proposal is to develop a co-located and integrated Tertiary FET/HE Campus in partnership with Technological University of the Shannon on the Kickham Barracks site in Clonmel town centre. It will consolidate services in the region and reduce the need for leased accommodation. The proposed project will support diverse learning pathways from levels 1-10 and is uniquely positioned to realise the vision of a unified tertiary education system in Ireland. The proposed development will have a strong workforce development focus and advanced digital infrastructure centred on a digital learning hub.

Earlier this year, senior officials from my department met with all 12 of the ETB Chief Executives. At this meeting ETBs were informed that they need to prioritise the progression of these projects. To support this, work is progressing within my department in developing an Integrated Design Team Framework to facilitate this. It is envisaged that this framework will be in place by the end of the summer with design teams being appointed following this for those that are ready to do so in 2026

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 Tipperary and the wider region.