Major capital funding for further education and training in Clondalkin

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D. received a warm welcome today in Clondalkin. He was visiting the Further Education and Training (FET) Centre in Monastery Road where he announced the awarding of a multi-million euro project to refurbish and extend the premises. Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) has been providing FET to the local community for over 50 years. The centre in Clondalkin is one of 13 projects to be funded around the country as part of the FET Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund.

Siobhan Lynch, Director of Further Education DDLETB

FET programmes and services in Clondalkin include three Community Colleges, two Youthreach Centres, Youth Services and an extensive Adult Education Service with an Adult Education Guidance Service. DDLETB also works in partnership with Clondalkin Adult Morning Education (CAME). In 2021, almost 600 learners ranging in age from 16 to 86 years attended courses in the Clondalkin area. Young learners in Youthreach can achieve certification in General Learning, Information and Communications Technology, Employability Skills, and Catering. The Adult Education Service provides daytime and evening services with courses in general learning, literacy, language skills, digital skills and skills for work. The service has also been providing English language support to Ukrainian refugees since April.

The Monastery Road building is located in the heart of Clondalkin village and was built in 1968. DDLETB provides a variety of further education and training services in the locality. The refurbished accommodation will form part of the Clondalkin Campus of a new College of FET for the local community, providing opportunities for all future learners.

The Minister said, “The investments will support the replacement of ageing prefabs with modern teaching and learning spaces; expansion of capacity – including for apprenticeships and other training; bolstering of links to industry and to higher education; and improvements to Youthreach infrastructure.”

Caitríona Murphy, Chief Executive of DDLETB, welcomed the announcement, “This is a great day for our learners, our staff and the community. We are proud to have provided learning, support and development in the Clondalkin area for over 50 years. We are delighted now to have the funding to upgrade the campus. We look forward to welcoming even more young people and adults who wish to develop their skills, gain qualifications or improve their employment prospects.”