SETU and Waterford development
Matt Shanahan argued that South East Technological University still lacked new teaching buildings and that promises to the south east had not been delivered. The Taoiseach replied warmly about his visits to Waterford and said he and local representatives were working on the issue.
A little ripple of excitement went through Waterford and the south east last weekend when the Taoiseach and Tánaiste visited. Expectations remain sky-high, mainly built up by the Taoiseach, that South East Technological University, SETU, will meet the need of the south-east region for a university by adding new capacity and programmes. The past three programmes for Government, in 2011, 2016 and 2020, specifically prioritised the development of higher education in the south east. It is troubling and surprising that no new teaching buildings have commenced construction in Waterford this millennium. As the Taoiseach knows, the planning permission for SETU's engineering building, which is in bundle 2, expires this summer. That will create obvious difficulties.
This project, which was first announced in 2008, has been announced and re-announced periodically, not least by the Taoiseach. Is the engineering PPP going to go ahead this summer, and before the Government calls time, or is it dead in the water?
Comment on this
I assure the Deputy there is a while to go in this Government yet, so he should not get too excited. I believe the Tánaiste may have been in Waterford at a private function, possibly even a wedding. I was in Dungarvan.
Comment on this
Like the Taoiseach, he was canvassing.
Comment on this
No, I think he was at a private event. I was canvassing, and people were asking for the Deputy. I was also in Dungarvan. It was a beautiful day. The sun was out and we were talking about the launch of the traditional Irish music festival. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, knows about it. I was also in Tramore meeting young guys and girls in the surfing school there. I very much enjoyed my visit and I will be back shortly.
In regard to the PPP, it is my intention and that of the Government, the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh, Senator Cummins, and all Waterford Deputies that it would go ahead. That was my commitment when I was Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and it remains my commitment as Taoiseach.