Funding boost of €507,500 for Mayo-based education authority confirmed

Capital funding of €507,500 has been allocated to Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB as part of an €8 million investment in education and training boards nationally.

The allocation forms part of Project Ireland 2040.

The funding will be provided via SOLAS for the delivery of small-scale and necessary infrastructure and improvement works and for the purchase of equipment.

Welcoming the new Deputy Alan Dillon said: “Under this funding programme, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB will be in a position to make decisions around small-scale Further Education and Training (FET) investment priorities locally, and to ensure that projects can be advanced quickly and efficiently.

"The grant also allows ETBs an opportunity to consider future accommodation needs and to procure professional expertise to conduct condition surveys of existing buildings, with a view to a strategic approach to estate planning and development.

"This may be of particular interest for Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB following their announcement of the new Mayo College of Further Education and Training.

"In addition, funding has been provided for the introduction of an emergency health and safety works programme and further detail will be announced in the coming days.”

Deputy Michael Ring stated: “The department have advised that this funding will support ETBs in progressing their plans for further education and training, while also addressing smaller scale improvement works in the near term.

“It is obvious from this significant funding injection- the importance the government places on further education and training.”