Significant milestone for Cavan as Minister Harris confirms go-ahead for next phase of proposal development for capital investment

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has announced that the green light has been given to Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) to proceed to the next stage of a proposal for a new campus at Cavan Institute.

The project envisages a state-of-the-art further education campus built in Cavan town. This proposal is to serve 1,000 students by building a new centralised FET provision for Cavan Institute. The proposed new campus is part of the Government’s Further Education and Training (FET) ‘Colleges of the Future’ strategy, which seeks to streamline FET provision around the country, making pathways into Further Education and Training more accessible for all.

The new college campus will be complementary to and work in collaboration with the existing CMETB FET Campus on the outskirts of Cavan Town, to further strengthen the provision of FET programmes at Levels 5 and 6, as well as delivering on apprenticeships. Other exciting initiatives included in the proposal are higher education programmes in partnership with higher education institutes and part-time programmes.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “This is a brilliant day for Cavan. It has been chosen as one of ten locations to proceed to develop their proposal for a new campus, as part of the FET College of the Future strategy.

“This has been a project earmarked for a number of years but today, we are finally giving it the go-ahead to the next stage of proposal development.

“This will increase the number of learners who can study in Cavan and crucially, improve links with higher education institutions across the island of Ireland.

“We have also invested in the Dún Uí Neill site (FET Campus) with the modular accommodation to open shortly.

“The College of the Future Major Projects Fund will support the implementation of the vision set out in the Further Education and Training Strategy. This Fund, and the proposed development in Cavan, has the potential to deliver on a range of strategic objectives. It is great that the proposal will now proceed to Preliminary Business Case Stage.”

Dr Fiona McGrath, Chief Executive of CMETB said: “Minister Harris’ announcement is warmly welcomed by CMETB as a very positive development for Further Education and Training in our region.

“The announcement marks an important milestone in support of our ambitions to lead and deliver excellence in Education and Training. The proposed new campus for Cavan Institute will have state-of-the-art facilities to provide accessible FET programmes that support the needs of the economy in the region and our local communities, I look forward to seeing the project progress.”

Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said:

“Today’s announcement marks an important step forward for learners and communities in the Cavan area, but also an important milestone in the evolution of FET facilities and provision nationwide. “This College of the Future is part of a larger shift towards distinct, integrated colleges of FET around the country, which will serve as beacons of community-based learning excellence.”

“As we continue to deliver cutting-edge campuses that showcase the very best of FET, we will start to change the hearts and minds of Irish society with regard to school-leaver and lifelong education options. “A warm congratulations to my colleagues in Cavan and Monaghan Education & Training Board and all of the potential learners in Cavan and surrounding areas on what is an inspiring day for both the region and the sector.”

Pictured Left to Right: Cllr. Carmel Brady (Chair, CMETB Board),  Dr Linda Pinkster (Director of FET, CMETB), Dr Fiona McGrath (Chief Executive, CMETB) Dearbhla O’Keeffe (Learner, Cavan Institute), Simon Harris (Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science), Cian Murray (Learner, Cavan Institute), Heather Humphreys (Minister of Justice, Social Protection, Community and Rural Development), Ann Marie Lacey (Director, Cavan Institute) and Cllr. Clifford Kelly (Chair, Cavan Institute Board)