€10 million funding for WIT a major boost for college – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy Paudie Coffey has welcomed the news that the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn TD has allocated €10 million for the completion of the Carriganore campus in Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and the acquiring of Manor Village Student Accommodation. Meanwhile, the report on the statutory inspection of the relationship between WIT and a group of companies that provide services to the Institute has been finalised and published.

“I’m delighted that all outstanding issues have been resolved and this funding has been secured that will lead to the completion of the Carriganore Sports Campus and ultimately a brighter future for WIT.

“As a former student and college representative in the Fitzgibbon Hurling competition, I welcome the capital allocation of €10 million which will see the completion of the state of the art Carriganore Sports Campus and the purchase of Manor Village Student Accommodation. This is another step along the pathway to ensuring that WIT is developed into the Technological University for the South East as it will lead to the completion of the new GAA development campus that will attract further student numbers to the college and to Waterford.

“This is excellent news for the college and I want to acknowledge that Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, has listened to my concerns on this matter and approved the allocation so that this project can be completed for the benefit of everyone in Waterford and
the South East Region.

“I also welcome the report on the statutory inspection of the relationship between WIT and a group of companies that provide services to the Institute. This was conducted by former Revenue Commissioners Chairman Mr Dermot Quigley. This review focussed solely on the relationship between the Institute and the group of companies that have supplied services to WIT and does not relate to the academic reputation or day-to-day operations of its academic programmes.

“I want to acknowledge the efforts of all those within WIT and Campus services who have worked towards the development of the college over the years and delivered tremendous student facilities that are also available to the wider public.”