900. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 434 of 19 June 2025, if he will provide an update on the proposed Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF) project; whether the Stage 1 Report submitted by the ETB design team and reviewed by SOLAS has now been approved by his Department; whether the project has progressed to the next stage of the approval process; whether funding has been allocated to allow the project to proceed; the current estimated timeline for the completion of the design, planning, tender and construction phases; whether the proposed new outreach facility remains part of the approved project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51749/26]

As the Deputy is aware, my Department announced the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Programme (SIUP) call, in February 2022, to support the upgrade of Further Education and Training (FET) infrastructure for Education and Training Boards. Its purpose is to provide for high-quality teaching and learning environments, aligned with the principles of the FET College of the Future.

This programme included a project for Cork Education and Training Board for Mallow Youthreach. The project proposes the delivery of a new facility on the site of the existing Mallow College of Further Education site, and I can confirm to the Deputy that the proposal still allows for the consolidation of FET services onto one site and to provide fit for purpose premises for the Youthreach provision in the area.

As previously advised, the Stage 1 report for the project was submitted to the Department and ongoing engagement continues with all stakeholders with the intention of progressing the project as soon as possible.

As the project is at an early stage of architectural planning, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for completion at this time.