Minister Lawless announces major step forward for Wexford Tertiary Education Campus
-
Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has announced significant progress on the development of a tertiary education campus in Wexford. The development of the campus will be progressed under the Department’s Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund.
This morning, Minister Lawless visited a site at Ballynagee, Wexford Town, which will provide the location for a joint tertiary campus between the South East Technological University (SETU) and Waterford and Wexford ETB.
This is a key strategic acquisition which will hugely benefit Wexford. The tertiary education campus is just one component of an overall masterplan for this entire site which will also include a range of different uses including sports facilities and an inner relief road. Wexford County Council are leading out on developing the plan for the site.
Speaking today, Minister Lawless said:
"I wish to acknowledge the sustained efforts of Wexford County Council to secure a site over the past several years and I extend my gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly to advance the vision of establishing a new educational campus in Wexford. Wexford County Council has played a vital role in getting to this stage of the process, and their hard work and dedication is to be commended.
"I view this development in Wexford as a valuable opportunity to showcase how our higher and further education and training sectors can work in partnership to create a collaborative learning environment.
"It will give learners of all ages a place where they can progress, upskill, reskill and innovate without ever having to leave Wexford. It will support learners to reach their full potential by creating pathways and removing barriers to access.
"Today’s announcement demonstrates the commitment that I and my department have to both our Technological Sector and ETB sector. These sectors are drivers of regional and national development by supporting learners to achieve the skills level required to succeed both nationally and globally.
"This proposal is one of a number of proposals which are being progressed under my department’s Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund. Funding under this programme call will enhance capacity and deliver critical infrastructure improvements, while also promoting research and innovation activities across our Technological University sector.”
President of SETU, Professor Veronica Campbell said:
"SETU welcomes the opportunity to work with Waterford Wexford ETB to realise a shared vision for expanding contemporary educational opportunities in Wexford and the wider region. Tertiary education plays a significant role in developing skills, innovation and economic resilience. As the only University in the region, SETU is committed to playing its role in supporting regional growth and meeting the evolving needs of learners, employers and communities."
Dr Karina Daly, Chief Executive of Waterford and Wexford ETB, said:
"We welcome this announcement as an important development for education and training in Wexford. Collaboration is central to how Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board delivers responsive and relevant learning opportunities. We look forward to working with SETU on this exciting project which will support our future delivery of high quality education and training to meet the changing needs of learners and employers, supporting growth and opportunity across the region."
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, said:
"Wexford County Council is pleased to be playing a key role in the acquisition of lands in Wexford town for the delivery of this education campus and are delighted to be joined by Minister James Lawless today. This milestone marks a major step forward in expanding access to quality education, developing a talented workforce which will act as a catalyst in attracting investors and supporting the knowledge economy, promoting opportunities for socio economic growth in County Wexford."