Minister Harris officially opens first phase of Cathal Brugha Campus

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD officially opened the first phase of the Cathal Brugha Campus for City of Dublin Education and Training Board on Monday, 19th February.

The Cathal Brugha Campus for Further Education and Training (FET) is a consolidation of Killester and Marino Colleges of Further Education, located across two campuses in Dublin 1: Connolly House, North Strand and the Marlborough Street block of Cathal Brugha Street. 

The Marlborough Street Block is the first phase of the Cathal Brugha Campus development. 

Speaking at the opening, Minister Harris said: 

“I am delighted to be in the Cathal Brugha Campus of the City of Dublin FET College today to officially open this facility and to meet the young people who will benefit from the learning opportunities offered by City of Dublin ETB. 

“My Department has invested in excess of €4 million into this project to date, with further investment planned for the subsequent phases of development. 

“The provision and consolidation of services at Cathal Brugha Campus enable City of Dublin ETB to enhance their range of full-time training and further education programmes in Dublin city centre, opening the door to exciting new careers and employment opportunities for young learners, adult learners and the wider community. 

“This first phase of investment will make a real difference to the educational journey of students. 

“This facility will give over 950 students access to, science labs and computer rooms; enhanced practical resources for learners across the school of Nursing Studies, Animal Care, Business, Journalism, Early Childhood Care & Education; provide enhanced workspaces to provide skills for employment in the care sector. 

“The building has been digitally upgraded including a new IT network and enhanced Wi-Fi capacity with all classrooms including hybrid learning technology. 

“The Education and Training Facility marks a significant development for learners and communities in the Dublin region, but also an important milestone in the evolution of FET facilities.” 

Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Paschal Donohoe, who also visited the campus said: 

“I am pleased to attend the official opening of the first phase of the Cathal Brugha Campus, which is located in the heart of my constituency. 

“I want to commend the City of Dublin Education and Training Board for delivering this Further Education and Training campus, which will provide a wonderful learning environment for those that use it. 

“This year my Department has committed €13 billion to fund infrastructure in areas such as housing, transport, education, enterprise, sport and climate action. Investments such as these, in further education and training, make a real and tangible difference to people’s lives, which in turn fosters social and economic development. I wish all involved in this worthwhile project every success for the future.” 

Chief Executive of City of Dublin ETB Dr Christy Duffy said: 

“Today, we celebrate the completion of the first phase of this exciting new campus and it is our pleasure to welcome Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD to the Cathal Brugha Campus. 

“The Cathal Brugha campus offers a flagship City of Dublin FET College presence in the city centre. The refurbishment of the Marlborough Street side represents a significant investment and offers a city centre presence for our extensive FET provision which now spans across our 12 campuses that form part of the City of Dublin FET College. 

“We look forward to welcoming many new learners to our Cathal Brugha campus as we offer an expanding range of courses that suits the changing further education and training needs of the people of Dublin city.” 

On the day, both Ministers visited the main campus to meet the team, interact with the students and hear about their plans and vision to allow every aspiring student join us on their journey to create their future.  They even had the chance to get stuck into an experiment with the college's Pre-University Science Students in the science lab!