John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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560. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the development of the new college (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50596/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The objective of the FET College Major Capital Programme (FCMCP) is to address existing deficits in current FET infrastructure and support projects that drive reform of the FET sector through consolidation of provision and integration of further education and training. The delivery of projects under this programme is a key priority for Government.

Twelve project proposals are currently being progressed under the Programme, including a project in Galway. The project was approved to move to the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy Stage.

The project proposal will provide a state-of-the-art purpose-built College building, on a site owned by GRETB located adjacent to the existing Training Centre in Mervue. The development will provide a modern, sustainable, and highly visible education campus, consolidating GRETB’s FET provision within the city into a single, fit-for-purpose location.

This new development will facilitate the expansion of services in the city with additional full-time and part-time offerings including additional traineeships, apprenticeships, and programmes for enterprise provided on the campus.

In January, Department Officials met with all 12 of the Chief Executives who have projects under this programme. At this meeting ETBs were informed that they need to prioritise work on these projects so that design teams can be appointed in 2026 for those projects which are ready to do so.

In order to provide for consistency of approach and to ensure for the timely delivery of projects under this Programme, an integrated design team framework was advertised to suppliers in April of this year. Applications to be part of this framework are currently being evaluated and when in place will provide for a framework of pre-approved design team consultants, that ETBs will be in a position to draw down services from, when they are ready to so.

Overall, GRETB's proposal represents a significant strategic investment in the future of FET in Galway. By consolidating provision, increasing capacity, and delivering high-quality facilities in a sustainable and accessible environment, the College will enhance learning opportunities, support economic growth, and contribute to the social and cultural vibrancy of the city and region.