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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced significant progress towards the expansion of the South East Technological University campus in Wexford.
Minister Harris has confirmed that the Local Authority is now obligated to acquire the property and that the owner is obliged to surrender same. Wexford County Council are now working with SETU to develop a masterplan for the entire site.
Minister Harris has now confirmed that the acquisition has significantly progressed with Wexford County Council having successfully moved to the final stages of the CPO process with the “Notice to Treat” being served.
There has been an ongoing engagement by Wexford County Council on the 48.5-acre site, which was the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
"Today is a really good day. We know this is something that has been going on for a very long time.
"Today, we can confirm significant process. Wexford County Council has all but completed the CPO process and is now working with SETU to develop a master plan for the entire site, part of which will facilitate a new higher education campus for Wexford.
"This masterplan has gone to tender stage and a design team appointment will be made this month.
"In parallel to this, SETU is engaging with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to develop a Business Case for the development of the infrastructure on the proposed site under the Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund (TSSPF).
"I really believe this can be transformative for education in Wexford. The current campus is not fit for purpose."
Dr Alan Wall, CEO of the Higher Education Authority, added:
"This is a significant milestone in the ambitions to expand the Wexford Campus of SETU and a crucial step in the development of a campus that will be transformative to not only the students and staff of SETU but also the local community and the region itself.
"The HEA has been working closely with SETU in support of this strategically important acquisition and will continue to do so as SETU proceeds to develop a Business Case for the development of the proposed site under our Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund (TSSPF)."
President of SETU Professor Veronica Campbell thanked the Minister for his continued support of SETU.
Professor Campbell said:
"As the CPO comes into its final stages, we will move to develop the full vision and a master plan for the campus in conjunction with SETU’s Governing Body.
"SETU is committed to creating an environmentally responsible campus and the design intent of our campus development in Wexford will incorporate sustainable design and green technologies to reduce the environmental impact."
Professor Campbell added:
"The University will continue to engage with Wexford County Council, stakeholders and the local community to ensure that the new university facility benefits not only the campus community but also the region at large."