From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced the green light has been given to Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) to proceed to the next stage in developing a proposal for a College of The Future.
The project envisages the acquisition of a site in Kilkenny, where a new state-of-the-art education and training campus will be developed to consolidate the delivery of skills provision in one location for the entire county.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“This is a brilliant day for Kilkenny and for Kilkenny and Carlow ETB. Kilkenny has been chosen as one of ten locations to proceed to develop a further education College of the Future.
"We have already been to across the country announcing similar projects, and I’m delighted today to deliver the good news for Kilkenny.
"FET provision in Kilkenny is currently scattered around 14 locations in the city, including an old school building and various leased facilities. This proposal envisages bringing them all together at one state-of-the-art facility, delivering the best integrated and learning supports possible, while also providing fantastic opportunities for apprenticeships.
"The College of the Future Major Projects Fund will support the implementation of the vision set out in the Further Education Strategy. This Fund, and the proposed development in Kilkenny, has the potential to deliver on a range of strategic objectives. It is great that the proposal will now proceed to Preliminary Business Case Stage.”
The news comes after another announcement earlier this year which saw KCETB given approval in principle under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund programme to appoint a design team for a project in Grennan Equestrian Centre, Thomastown.
Director of Further Education and Training (FET) for KCETB Martha Bolger said:
“The entire FET staff in KCETB are thrilled at the positive news delivered today by Minister Simon Harris that the proposal for a dedicated FET campus in Kilkenny moves to the next stage of proposal development.
“It has been our vision for some time and will transform education and training in Kilkenny. KCETB’s FET Service has catered for 12,000 students in 2022. We look forward to working with DFHERIS and SOLAS to continue to do our best for local employers, the local community and, most importantly, for our learners.”
KCETB Chief Executive Eileen Curtis added:
“The new FET college for Kilkenny is wonderful news for KCETB and, in particular today, for Kilkenny city and county.
“The proposed new integrated FET college is a key strategic priority for KCETB that will transform learning across the KCETB communities and assist the region in responding to the future skills needs of Kilkenny and Carlow and its hinterland.
“It will provide for the skill needs of local industries and create a talent pipeline of graduates available to work and live in Kilkenny and Carlow. It will also develop linkages with SETU, thus creating a strong educational base, not only for Kilkenny and Carlow, but the whole of the south-east region.”
Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said:
“Today’s announcement marks an important step forward for learners and communities in Kilkenny, but also an important milestone in the evolution of FET facilities and provision nationwide.
"“This College of the Future is part of a larger shift towards distinct, integrated colleges of FET around the country, which will serve as beacons of community-based learning excellence.
“This College of the Future is part of a larger shift towards distinct, integrated colleges of FET around the country, which will serve as beacons of community-based learning excellence.
“As we continue to deliver cutting edge campuses that showcase the very best of FET, we will start to change the hearts and minds of Irish society with regard to school leavers and lifelong education options.
“A warm congratulations to my colleagues in Kilkenny and Carlow Education & Training Board, and all the potential learners in Kilkenny city and county on what is an inspiring day for both the region and the sector.”