341. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current status of the application of Louth Meath Education Board for funding to deliver the permanent Dunboyne College of Further Education & Training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48337/26]

Louth Meath ETB’s FET College Major Capital proposal involves the construction of a new, fit-for-purpose facility on a greenfield site. This new facility is intended to replace the current rented accommodation in Dunboyne and is one of twelve projects currently being advanced under this programme.

LMETB submitted its preliminary business case to SOLAS for the proposed infrastructure it plans to deliver in Dunboyne. This is currently under evaluation and cannot be finalised until a site has been secured, as acquiring a suitable site capable of supporting the required infrastructure is a key determinant in assessing the business case. In this regard, LMETB have agreed the purchase price with the vendor of its preferred site option and is at an advance stage of completing the relevant legal and site due diligence.

SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support LMETB through the next stage of the development of its proposal and remain committed to the delivery of state of the art facilities to meet the needs of our learners and teaching staff in Meath and across the region.