Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has announced a significant capital investment in further education in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.
Grennan College Equestrian Centre in Thomastown is a key project which forms part of the first phase of projects to be advanced under the national Further Education and Training (FET) Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF).
This centre is a key component of the Further Education and Training provision in the Kilkenny Carlow ETB landscape.
Minister Harris said, “Today we are announcing considerable investment in the Equestrian Centre in Thomastown, which will enhance benefit all who come through the gates and build on the Centre’s success as a key provider of education for the equine industry.
“This significant capital project will enable an upgrade of the existing facility at Grennan College Equestrian Centre, replacing existing prefabricated classrooms and supporting buildings with modern structures. It will allow our education leaders to develop new models of delivery and a regional service of excellence in Horsemanship and Equine skills.
“The Thomastown upgrade will provide fit-for-purpose facilities for both learners and staff.”
Funding for this project will be provided through SOLAS to KCETB. The project announced today will now move forward to the appointment of a design team, with a view to developing a more detailed project brief in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Chief Executive of SOLAS, Andrew Brownlee, said, “Further Education and Training has a unique and special value both for learners and for our communities – and these learners and communities deserve cutting edge facilities and equipment.
“The continued investments in capital infrastructure being made, including today in Kilkenny, are very welcome steps that will mean our FET facilities reflect the modern, dynamic nature of FET provision in 2022.