This article is from page 11 of the 2006-04-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
A THIRD level college could be on the cards for Ennis after Clare County Council said it was pushing ahead with plans for a facility.
The council announced that serious consideration was been given to the proposal and that funding was currently been sought for the appointment of a full time project manager for the proposed facility.
A submission has been sent to the Department of Education and Science while Clare VEC are also said to be exploring the possibility
The motion for a third level institution was put forward by Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald (Lab) at last Monday’s resumed March meeting of Clare County Council.
In response, the council stated that the provision of additional facilities for further and higher education was a priority in the County Development Board Strategy.
Speaking yesterday, Cllr Fitzgerald said a third level facility was essential for an expanding town like Ennis and that it would have a major positive impact on the town’s long term growth.
“I feel Ennis needs a third level college and it would have a major impact on the town. It would be hugely beneficial for Ennis and the county. The council are looking at it and so are the VEC.”
A third level institution was first mooted for Ennis in 2004. The grounds of the Our Lady’s Hospital were proposed as a location for a college and an information age technology park.