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Minister Harris announces significant capital investment in further education and training services in Sligo
Minister Harris announces significant capital investment in further education and training services in Sligo
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today announced funding for a project at the Further Education and Training Centre (FET) on Quay Street in Sligo town.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“The more we invest in facilities the more we invest in the learning experience, which is what is at the heart of today’s announcement.
“Today marks another 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 Sligo.
“The investment being announced today will help to enhance facilities for FET in Sligo and contribute to meeting the education and training needs across the wider community."
This investment will allow Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB carry out refurbishment and re-configuration works at the existing centre turning it into a modern campus which will form part of the Sligo College of FET.
The expansion will enhance the learner experience at the college while providing additional full-time, part-time and evening courses.
The Quay Street FET Centre is one of six locations benefiting from part of the next tranche of capital investment under the Further Education and Training (FET) Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund.
Minister Harris also stated:
“This will allow the college to expand their offering to students as well as enhance the learner experience while they are there.
“I commend MSLETB and all the team both here and across the wider FET community for your commitment to providing wide-ranging opportunities for all”
Funding for this project will be provided through SOLAS to Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB. The project 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 the Further Education & Training Authority, Andrew Brownlee, said:
“Today’s announcement of capital investment in the Quay Street Further Education and Training Centre in Sligo is a significant development for learners in the town, and an important milestone in the evolution of FET facilities and provision nationwide.
“A warm congratulations to my colleagues in Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board, and to all of the potential learners in Sligo and the surrounding areas.”
Tom Grady, Chief Executive of Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB, said:
"I am proud of the collaborative effort that has gone into securing this funding for the Quay Street Further Education and Training Centre.
“This investment marks a pivotal moment for our community, enabling us to create a truly inclusive and innovative learning environment. Together with our partners, we are building the foundation for a brighter future, where education knows no bounds. Our learners are at the centre of this transformation, and we are committed to equipping them with the skills and opportunities they deserve."