Green light given for multi-million euro FET capital investment in Cork | Irish Independent

Cork

Minister Patrick O’Donovan (PA)

Cork Education and Training Board has received the green light 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.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Patrick O’Donovan who made the announcement on Thursday, October 24 in Cork said: “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.

Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins TD 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,” he added.

SOLAS CEO Andrew Brownlee said: "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 also welcomed the announcement: "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,” he added.

Mr Leamy continued: “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."

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