Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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858. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress being made at present regarding the development of a training college at the Killarney proposed campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43169/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that Kerry ETB are being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Killarney under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. The proposal put forward by KETB is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.

KETB’s proposal is expected to encompass the transformation of FET provision in the area by developing a state-of-the-art campus focussing on skills development in Hospitality Training, while supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies.

SOLAS and officials from my department met with all twelve ETBs including KETB, in April and May of this year, to discuss their proposals in the context of affordability, value for money and relevant regional and national FET policy objectives. ETBs were asked to refine their business case proposals to ensure delivery on their priority infrastructure requirements that will meet the needs of their current and future learners and staff.

KETB are currently working on refining their business case proposal and will have the opportunity to submit this proposal to the next evaluation meeting which is targeted for early 2025. Following evaluation, business cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: Pre-Tender – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy. I understand SOLAS is also engaging with KETB around the site and this work is ongoing.

SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support KETB in the development of their proposal and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff.