924. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a detailed update on his Departments interest in lands at a location (details supplied) for a college of further education; if his Department is purchasing this land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53141/26]

Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB) are currently being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case for their proposal under the FET College Major Capital Programme.

In relation to this proposal, DDLETB were also progressing work on a site option in Swords for the location of this new FET College. Ministerial approval was previously provided to DDLETB in July 2025 to enter negotiations with a property owner, to agree a price and to begin legal and site due diligence on a particular site. I understand that despite the best efforts of DDLETB, they were not able to complete the legal due diligence on the site due to a number of issues remaining outstanding including access and site boundaries.

In recent months, SOLAS has notified my department that the property owner has sold a portion of the site to another party so DDLETB are exploring if the remainder of the site at Cremona is suitable for a FET College. In parallel, DDLETB are also working with the Local Authority towards the identification of other sites in the Swords area for this FET College.

Along with SOLAS, my department will continue to support DDLETB in progressing this major capital project which will deliver key FET infrastructure to meet the needs of learners in Fingal and surrounding areas.