Minister of State and Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has welcomed funding of €507,500 to Kildare & Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).

“My colleague Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris has today confirmed funding in further education capital grants for the country’s 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) including €507,500 to KWETB.

“This funding forms part of Project Ireland 2040 and will be provided via SOLAS for the delivery of small-scale and necessary infrastructure and improvement works, as well as the purchase of equipment.

“Under this funding programme, KWETB will be in a position to make decisions around small-scale further education and training investment priorities locally, and to ensure that projects can be advanced quickly and efficiently.

The grant will also allow them to consider future accommodation needs and to procure professional expertise to conduct condition surveys of existing buildings, with a view to a strategic approach to estate planning and development.

“KWETB currently operate a number of further education and training sites around the County including Newbridge, Athy, Naas, Baltinglass and Crookstown.  This funding will allow KWETB to improve their existing structures and plan for new facilities” concluded Minister Heydon.