Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney TD, has welcomed the approval of the Galway Further Education and Training (FET) College of the Future project to advance to the Pre-Tender Stage — a significant planning milestone in the development of a major new FET campus for the city.

Led by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB), the project proposes a new state-of-the-art facility at the Mervue campus in Galway. It will expand capacity in strategic areas including Creative Arts, MedTech, Engineering, and Culinary & Hospitality Skills — all key growth sectors in the West.

Minister Canney has welcomed the latest progress saying: “This is a strong vote of confidence in GRETB’s vision for further education in Galway, and I want to commend the team for the detailed and ambitious proposal they have developed. The move to the Pre-Tender Stage marks a vital point in the planning journey. The project will now undergo detailed design, planning and procurement work, which will be essential to getting it shovel-ready in the period ahead.”

The Galway campus project is one of two announced today to progress to this next phase, along with a project in Dublin. It is part of the wider FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund, which is delivering strategic investment across the country to modernise and consolidate FET infrastructure.

Minister Canney added: “This development is crucial for ensuring Galway remains at the forefront of further education, with facilities that match the quality of teaching and training already being delivered by GRETB. It will open up new pathways for learners in our region and respond directly to the skills needs of local industry.”

The FET learner base has grown by over 25% since 2022, underscoring the need for investment in modern facilities to meet demand.

Minister Canney concluded: “Today’s announcement represents progress, which I am delighted to see, for this much needed campus in the west.”