From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has today announced two significant capital investments in County Kerry.
Kerry College Tralee and Listowel Campus are key projects which form part of a first phase of projects to be advanced under the national Further Education and Training (FET) Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF).
These 2 campuses of Kerry College are a key component of the further education and training provision in the Kerry ETB landscape.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“Today is an important day in my department’s commitment to supporting and enhancing capital infrastructure in the further education and training sector across the country and in particular here in Kerry.
“Both of Kerry ETB’s proposed projects under the SIUF are included in the first phase of projects to be advanced under the initiative. This is a testimony to Kerry ETB’s strategic vision and commitment to advancing the development of the FET college of the future concept.”
These significant capital projects will enhance further education and training services in both towns.
At Tralee Campus, the project envisages the development of a new apprenticeship training building as well enhancing existing facilities. This will facilitate an expansion of carpentry, joinery, electrical and pre-apprenticeship courses. It will also allow for the delivery of pre-apprenticeship courses to second level students in the 3 craft areas, as well as enhancing the provision of professional upskilling courses to crafts persons in efforts to ‘green’ their existing skills sets.
At Listowel Campus, the proposed project builds on an early investment to acquire the site for a standalone FET facility in 2021 and will allow the college to bring the building up to date and create the learning environment needed for FET courses. It also envisages new accommodation on the site. Importantly it will provide the Listowel Campus with a clear identity and will enhance the promotion of the suite of programmes delivered in this locality.
Minister Harris added:
“Developing further education and training provision in Kerry, will enhance not only the FET Provision available but will also make the Tralee and Listowel region a more attractive option for both indigenous and foreign companies to locate their businesses near to ready supply of industry ready graduates. This in turn will benefit the wider business community along with the general local community.
“I want to acknowledge the work of Kerry ETB in getting us to this stage with these projects. I also want commend the work that they do in providing, supporting and coordinating a comprehensive range of education, training and youth services in Kerry that are responsive to the needs of learners and local communities.”
Funding for these projects will be provided through SOLAS to Kerry ETB. These projects announced today will now move forward to the appointment of a design team, with a view to development of a more detailed project brief in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Chief Executive of SOLAS, Andrew Brownlee, said:
“Further education and training has a unique and special value both for learners and for our communities - and learners and communities in Tralee and Listowel deserve cutting edge facilities and equipment.
“This announcement of capital funding is a welcome step that will mean that FET facilities there reflect the modern, dynamic nature of FET provision in 2022.
"The ambitious scale of vision set out in the national FET strategy, Future FET: Transforming Learning, is being met by suitably ambitious investment. This funding will enable nationally coordinated and strategic action that will form the foundation of FET Colleges of the Future; greatly expand capacity; build up our national skills portfolio; strengthen pathways through and from FET; and most importantly, best serve the FET learners of today and tomorrow.
“This investment in capital is an investment in the future of FET – and most importantly, an investment in the future of the many learners in Kerry that it will directly benefit."
Colm McEvoy, Chief Executive of Kerry ETB, said:
“Further education and training is a key area of provision for Kerry ETB.
“Since establishing Kerry College of Further Education and Training in 2019 the need to provide modern facilities for learners and staff was prioritised.
“This investment will provide Kerry College Campuses in Monavalley and Listowel with the additional purpose-built facilities for the provision of further education and training courses and apprenticeships.”