The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 and submits the following comments for consideration.
It should be noted by the Local Authority that the new Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science was created by the Ministers and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Act 2020 and is now recognised as the body responsible for policy, funding and governance of the higher and further education, adult education and research sectors and for the oversight of the work of the State agencies and public institutions operating in these areas.
Development and investment in the education sector undertaken by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science form an essential role in the delivery of cross-governmental objectives including labour market activation and social inclusion.
It should be noted that further education, training and higher education are essential elements of both regional and national development and economic growth, as well as providing an accessible pathway to higher education. In relation to connectivity and travel our goal is to ensure future services are aligned with regional policy targets, to promote the use of public transport, and to improve access to education within the development plan area.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is a key stakeholder in the provision of new education and training in the community in the correct locations to promote lifelong learning and social mobility. Upgrade and expansion of existing educational facilities and the consolidation of resources will be required to facilitate sustainable growth, promoting accessibility to education and in limiting the need for unnecessary travel. The Department is currently undertaking a strategic review of all assets in the further and higher education sectors to ensure an informed approach to asset management, to ensure a proper and sustainable approach to all development, and ensure value for money. As such a degree of flexibility will be required in the repurposing of existing facilities, and the provision of new educational infrastructure in the further and higher education sectors, where the opportunity may exist to unlock suitable sites for sustainable development.
In this respect we welcome the opportunity to engage with Cork City Council at the earliest opportunity where strategic investment in further and higher education has been identified.