Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has announced that Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has received approval to advance to the next phase of its development of a College of the Future in Newcastle West, County Limerick. Following a robust evaluation process, the ETB is now being given approval to move to the Pre-Tender stage of development – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy. Government funding worth tens of millions of euro will provide for the construction of a new state-of-the-art further education and training campus facility at Station Road in Newcastle West.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to be in my hometown to make this significant announcement that will not only greatly benefit the learners and staff but the wider community of Limerick and Clare ETB. It will provide an environment that will support all learners in their education journey and in doing so allow them to reach their full potential.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD pictured at the announcement of approval to advance to the next phase of development of a FET College of the Future in Newcastle West.
This new infrastructure will allow for the consolidation and integration of the further education and training provision that the ETB provides in the West Limerick region. The proposed campus will feature fit-for-purpose, digitally-enabled facilities to enhance accessibility and education pathways while promoting local development. It will also facilitate the expansion of the range of certified programmes available and introduce new employment-themed initiatives to meet workforce needs.
Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins TD, said: “The integrated FET college will address the critical need for a centralised facility that supports both learners and local industries. This development represents a pivotal investment in skills and employment pathways in the largest population centre in County Limerick, outside of the Limerick City Metropolitan Area.”
Limerick and Clare ETB Acting Chief Executive, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, said: “The announced development of a FET College of the Future in Newcastle West is particularly significant as it will address structural imbalance in the county, enabling the Education and Training Board, through its College of FET, to deliver world-class education and training in response to local and national government priorities and plans.”
SOLAS Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Brownlee, said: “The capital infrastructure announcement for Newcastle West 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 Limerick and Clare ETB, and most importantly, it’s an exciting day for all of the current and future FET learners in 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 County Limerick will play a critical role in meeting the increasing demand for upskilling across our communities.”
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