ETB delegation meets Taoiseach
A number of local issues were discussed.
Members of CMETB met the Taoiseach this week to discuss further education and training.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Niamh Smyth hosted the meeting with Micheál Martin.
A delegation from the organisation attended; Dr Fiona McGrath Chief Executive; Dr Linda Pinkster. Director of FET CMETB; Gerry Mc Kenny, Deputy Director Cavan Institute; Rynagh Williams, Director Monaghan Institute and Councillor Colm Carthy, Chairperson of CMETB.
Local Minister Heather Humphreys and TD Brendan Smith were also in attendance.
Speaking of the visit, Deputy Smyth said it was an important meeting to discuss local issues:
“I was really delighted to host a meeting for CMETB with An Taoiseach Michéal Martin TD to discuss further education and training in Cavan and Monaghan. I took the opportunity to impress upon the Taoiseach the critical need for a new state of the art campus for Cavan Institute and the success story of Monaghan Institute which have now outgrown their space and also require additional accomodation for apprenticeships. The need to detail and cement the ring fenced funding for these projects was also stressed at the meeting to ensure clarity and delivery going forward.”
There have been growing calls from local representatives for a new purpose built campus for Cavan Institute, with the former army barracks in Cavan town earmarked for the development.
Deputy Smyth says this was among the issues raised with the Taoiseach:
“In the case of Cavan Institute, I placed emphasis with the Taoiseach on the need to divest all current rental properties used for the delivery of programmes around Cavan town and consolidate the institute's provision on the existing site at Cathedral Road in the town. This single site would facilitate students availing of centralized services and supports within this single campus."
Deputy Brendan Smith, who also attended the meeting said Cavan Institute needs to be a Government priority:
“At meeting with An Taoiseach regarding the provision of Further Education I emphasised the need to progress the proposal to provide additional permanent accommodation at Cavan Institute.I stated very clearly that priority has to be attached to this application as I had previously outlined to the Minister for Further and Higher Education in different Dáil debates.This additional accommodation needs to be provided at Cathedral Road, Cavan adjacent to the existing complex."
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