Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 July 2023
226. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a series of queries related to funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32959/23]
View answerOn June 28th 2023, I announced a significant milestone in the development of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), under the Department's Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Fund (IURF).
NCAD prepared an application for funding under the IURF in respect of a proposed development for the college. During my visit to the college, I confirmed that the Department felt that there was sufficient evidence to merit that this proposal should proceed through to the next stage to development of a Preliminary Business Case in line with the Public Spending Code.
The Preliminary Business Case will examine the best way to address capacity and demand constraints, to permit increased research related to the remit of NCAD and secure the college's historic buildings for the future. This will take place within the context of strategic alignment with Government policy and the preliminary demand analysis for the college.
In respect of the Devolved Grant referred to by the deputy, NCAD received funding in the amount of €283,382 as announced on 26 June 2023, in line with the provisions for that particular scheme. This is separate to and independent of the progression of the IURF project for the college.
