New Cavan Institute building being progressed
A major building project for Cavan Institute at Cathedral Road, Cavan Town, is currently being progressed under the department’s Further Education & Training (FET) College of the Future Major Projects Fund.
Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless confirmed the news in response to a parliamentary question tables by Deputy Brendan Smith in the Dáil.
"The proposal has been successful in moving forward to the Pre-tender, Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. As part of this stage, the proposal will be further developed, risks will be better understood, the design will be advanced, and a procurement strategy and project execution plan developed," Minister Lawless confirmed.
The proposal, which was put forward by Cavan Monaghan ETB, is to construct a new integrated Further Education and Training College of the Future in Cavan Town.
The proposed facility will address critical needs, providing a state-of-the-art education and training facility.
The project aims to consolidate existing provision, incorporate new training programmes and specialisms, and develop support services at one location.
"SOLAS continues to engage with Cavan Monaghan ETB around further developing their project scope and associated schedules of accommodation. Work has also begun on the development of standardised tender documents.
"SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support Cavan Monaghan ETB through this next stage of proposal development.
"Supporting FET learners and educators across all regions including those in Cavan and Monaghan remains a top priority for my department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet their needs," stated Minister James Lawless.
Deputy Brendan Smith noted that “the development of a College of the Future in Cavan will build on the very significant Further Education provision we have at Cavan Institute at present."
“Since the establishment of the Department of Further and Higher Education by Micheál Martin as Taoiseach there is a renewed and welcome emphasis on Colleges of Further Education and the very important role they play not just in the provision of Further Education but as a clear pathway to Higher Education and to careers across many disciplines," Deputy Smith believes.
"The College is not only very important as an education provider but also as a partner for business and enterprise in this region.
“I commend the ETB and all at the Cavan Institute on their work and their commitment to the further expansion and success of the College,” stated Brendan Smith TD.