Ó An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, along with Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins, have today announced that the green light has been given to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board to proceed to the next stage in developing a College of The Future (COTF).
The project envisages a new Further Education and Training campus built in Newcastle West, Co Limerick. This proposal will transform learning in County Limerick with an expansion of further education courses in the county and deliver full-time programmes in Newcastle West for the first time.
The proposed project will have a digital focus ensuring students have access to the skillsets they need for the modern workforce. The proposal would facilitate the consolidation and integration of existing programmes including Youthreach and VTOS, and enhance progress pathways within FET and from FET.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“This is a brilliant day for Limerick and for Newcastle West. It has been chosen as one of ten locations to proceed to develop their proposal for a further education College of the Future.
"Newcastle West is the largest county town, and the principal service town for a range of townlands and villages within a small radius. An integrated FET College of the Future will facilitate the growing population of the town and the wider catchment area.
“This will increase the number of learners who can study in Limerick and crucially, improve links with higher education institutions across Ireland.
“This 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 Limerick 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.”
Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins added:
“This announcement today complements our recent news for Limerick City with regards to SIUF funding secured for Musgrave Street in Limerick City. A ‘College of the Future’ in Newcastle West of Further Education and Training is a very significant opportunitiy for the people of Limerick, as we shape the future of further education and training in Ireland. I congratulate Limerick and Clare ETB on their success once again."
Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said:
“Today’s announcement marks an important step forward for learners and communities in the Limerick area, 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 a 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-leaver and lifelong education options.
“A warm congratulations to my colleagues in Limerick and Clare Education & Training Board and all of the potential learners in Limerick and surrounding areas on what is an inspiring day for both the region and the sector.”
Welcoming today’s announcement by the Minister, George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive, Limerick and Clare ETB, said:
“Building skills is a key theme within our FET Strategic Framework. This is focused on offering modern and up-to-date FET teaching and learning environments that reflect quality and industry standards, and promote innovation and sustainability. While significant FET delivery currently takes place in Newcastle West, adequate learning facilities are required to accommodate different types of learners – including specialist training rooms, classrooms, libraries and study facilities. These facilities need to be accessible to their target groups (both for vocational and non-vocational learning) and new teaching methods may require specialist equipment – including access to on-line opportunities. The development of a FET College of the Future in the town will deliver on this vision.”