LIMERICK is to get a state-of-the-art new college under plans announced this week by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB).
It was announced this Monday (November 4), that Limerick and Clare ETB has received approval to advance to the next stage of plans for it’s “college of the future”.
Plans for the new college of further education and training can now move on to the pre-tender stage of the development, it has been confirmed, which will see project design, planning, and procurement strategy get underway.
The plans will see a state-of-the-art new further education and training college developed at Limerick and Clare ETB’s campus in Newcastle West.
The new college will allow for the consolidation and growth of the ETB’s further education and training offerings, with fit-for-purpose, digitally-enabled facilities to enhance accessibility and education pathways while promoting local development.
The new college will also pave the way for the expansion of the range of certified ETB programmes available and introduce new employment-themed initiatives to meet growing workforce needs.
Speaking at the announcement, Limerick TD and Minister for Further and Higher Education Patrick O’Donovan said that the new facility will allow learners to reach their full potential.
“I am delighted to be in my hometown to make this significant announcement that will not only greatly benefit the learners and staff, but the wider community of Limerick and Clare ETB,” Minister O’Donovan said.
“It will provide an environment that will support all learners in their education journey and in doing so allow them to reach their full potential.”
Donncha Ó Treasaigh, acting chief executive of Limerick and Clare ETB said that “the announced development of a FET College of the Future in Newcastle West is particularly significant as it will address structural imbalance in the county, enabling the Education and Training Board, through its College of FET, to deliver world-class education and training in response to local and national government priorities and plans.”
Andrew Brownlee, CEO of Solas, a State body overseeing the further education and training sector said that “with one in 10 adults in Ireland now learning through FET or apprenticeships, the ongoing development of high-quality college environments in key locations such as County Limerick will play a critical role in meeting the increasing demand for upskilling across our communities.”
