Green Limerick: FET centres get €60m boost with high hopes for city and county

LIMERICK further education centres will be hoping to benefit from the latest €60m funding announcement by Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD.

With nine Further Education Training (FET) campuses across Limerick city and county, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD said the funding boost is a “significant milestone” to drive energy efficiency and decarbonisation in these buildings.

For the first time in the FET sector, the Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme will seek to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy performance and build capacity to ensure they lead by example in the transition to a sustainable future.

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Minister O’Donovan said: “This marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a sustainable future for lifelong learning.

“The €60m Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Capital Investment Programme for FET centres is not just an investment in our infrastructure, but an investment in our people and our planet.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering innovation, ultimately securing a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

Co-funded under Project Ireland 2040, this initiative is part of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth TD said: “The programme is designed to successfully deliver significant energy savings and emissions reductions in the FET centres, taking an exemplary lead role in energy efficiency, climate action and investment in developing our people.

“However, it goes further than that, because while this programme aims to develop a foundation for sustainable practices across the FET sector itself, it is also another example of the public sector leading by example.

“This helps to encourage and inspire those who may use these centres and the wider public to also take climate action.”

SOLAS, in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science established the Pathfinder Programme as a collective group.

Avril Behan, director FET College of the Future in SOLAS, who have a centre in Raheen Business Park, said: “This is an important step forward as it will ensure that some of our key FET campuses are compliant with climate action targets.

“This funding will support ETBs to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and expand their leadership role within their communities.

“The Pathfinder Programme is part of a holistic package of supports being provided to the FET Sector that also includes over €24m in Green Devolved Capital Grants over the next three years.

“As an organisation, we are committed to sustainability, economic resilience, and a future for our learners. The Pathfinder and Green Devolved funding supports ensure that FET will play an important part in contributing to a greener, more sustainable world.”