854. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for his and his Department’s assessment of the feasibility of the South East Technological University, Strategic Plan, Connecting for Impact 2023-2028, given that €350 million of capital funding is required between 2023 and 2028 to realise the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42804/24]

Technological Universities are required under their legislation to consult with the Minister in the preparation of their Strategic Development Plans. This is a new provision inserted by the HEA Act from 10th November 2022.

Following this consultation process, HEIs are then free as independent institutions to conclude their Strategic Development Plans in the appropriate manner.

In terms of capital funding from 2023-2028, the higher education capital budget is managed at an overall level, in conjunction with the HEA, with the allocation to a higher education institution (including SETU) in any one year determined by, among other factors, the pace of progress of its projects through design, planning, procurement and delivery and subject to NDP provision.

My Department has disbursed over €21.5m in capital funding to South-East Technological University (SETU) under a number of capital programmes since May 2022. Significant capital investment is planned for SETU over the coming years through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bundle 2 Programme and through the recently announced Veterinary School and Masters in Pharmacy programme, which represent a hugely positive development for healthcare and veterinary provision in the southeast region.