135. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to clarify the situation regarding the refurbishment of the swimming pool at a location (details supplied). [49823/26]

On 26th June, Maynooth University announced that it will acquire a significant part of the South Campus from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth which will yield considerable benefits for the Maynooth community and wider region.

This acquisition represents a significant strategic investment by Maynooth University and is a transformational next step in the development of the university and its support of the broader community. As well as the redevelopment of existing learning, student and staff spaces, it creates the conditions for Maynooth University to invest in community-focused facilities, including a campus swimming pool, performance space and other shared amenities that will play an important role in local life. The university is engaging with the local authority and other stakeholder groups to collaboratively consider the future of facilities on the South Campus including the swimming pool, and I am fully supportive and encouraging of this and have made this known in my correspondence and engagements with all concerned parties.

More widely, I am supportive of the plans and vision the university has articulated and the benefit of campus facilities for both students and the wider Maynooth community.