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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan today announced the green light has been given to Cork Education and Training Board to proceed to the next stage in its development of a College of The Future.
Government funding worth tens of millions of euro will drive the development of Bishopstown campus into a new central FET College which will act as a focal point for all FET services in Cork.
The new College of the Future will deliver new infrastructure which will assist Cork ETB in the area of employer engagement, skills development and provide for a new Digital FET centre, incorporating digital teaching and learning facilities that will benefit the entire cork region.
Speaking in Bishopstown today, Minister O’Donovan said:
“This is a fantastic day for Cork and I’m thrilled to announce that Cork ETB is moving to the next stage in the process of delivering a further education and training campus that the entire county can be proud of.
“Cork has been a shining example of how best to deliver a quality and responsive tertiary education system that meets the needs of its region, and today’s announcement will allow its FET sector to take another significant step towards delivering a world-class environment for its learners, staff and community.”
Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins said:
“Back in 2022, the department announced that Bishopstown had been chosen as one of a number of locations across the country to develop a further education College of the Future.
“The College of the Future Major Projects Fund is supporting the implementation of a bold vision as set out in the Further Education Strategy, and it has the potential to deliver on a range of strategic objectives.
“But most importantly, today’s announcement means learners, staff and the entire community can now look forward to the development of a modern, high-spec premises where everyone will have the opportunity to progress in the best possible facilities.”
SOLAS CEO Andrew Brownlee said:
"Today’s capital infrastructure announcement for Cork is a milestone moment for FET in Munster that will drive access to education, lifelong learning and workforce transformation in the region.
"This is a proud day for both SOLAS and Cork ETB, and most importantly, it’s an exciting day for all of the current and future FET learners in Cork and the surrounding areas.
“With one in ten adults in Ireland now learning through FET or apprenticeships, the ongoing development of high-quality college environments in key locations such as Cork will play a critical role in meeting the increasing demand for upskilling across our communities.”
Denis Leamy, Chief Executive of Cork ETB said:
"This announcement marks the largest infrastructural investment in Further Education and Training (FET) in Cork's history. With government approval and departmental support, it paves the way for the creation of a new "College of the Future" at the existing Bishopstown Campus on Rossa Avenue. The facility will include Life Sciences training, an Employer Engagement Centre, a Research and Skills Development hub, and a Digital Technology Teaching and Learning Centre. These resources will enhance the flexibility of FET programmes, aligning them with the evolving needs of both learners and employers. The new Campus is designed to accommodate 1,000 students and staff."
Mr. Leamy added:
“Cork ETB is committed to taking this major step forward by developing the unified Campus that will serve as a central hub for all FET services in Cork. Both Cork ETB Board and Executive fully support this project, acknowledging that it offers a transformative opportunity for FET learners in the region for years to come.
“While society today has access to more information than ever before, the full benefits of technological advancements can only be realized through ongoing education and training. Now, more than ever, enhancing digital literacy is essential. Technology enables mobile learners to expand their knowledge, and the future of education delivery is likely to be part-time, online, or blended, offered in proximity to people's homes or workplaces.
"Learning is no longer confined to the early stages of a career or a few full-time courses. Instead, it will become a lifelong process involving numerous short and micro-courses. Tertiary education will take on greater importance, and the connection between further and higher education will play a crucial role in shaping the future of learning.”