Department defends SETU record and denies lack of investment in Waterford campus

The Department of Further and Higher Education has defended its record of investment in the South East Technological University (SETU) and its Waterford campus.

In recent days, Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane took to social media to highlight what he believes is a lack of Government investment in the university.

Deputy Cullinane cited figures which show that SETU has received the least amount of funding of any technological university in the country.

Since 2022, SETU has received approximately €30.5 million in funding for capital projects.

This represents 13 per cent of the total amount of money allocated to technological universities across the country.

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Deputy Cullinane described this as an “unfair funding gap” and called for investment in SETU to be stepped up.

However, the Department of Further and Higher Education has since come out in defence of its investment record.

In a statement to WaterfordLive, a spokesperson for the Department outlined a number of areas where it has provided funding.

They stated: “Of the five technological universities, the South East Technological University (SETU) was the last to be established in May 2022, some 3 years and 4 months after the establishment of the first technological university in January 2019.

“SETU has received significant investment over the past 4 years, to date in excess of €44m in capital funding alone, included in this funding is an annual Devolved Capital Grant, a grant which is allocated based on student numbers, course type and mode of study.

“20.3 acres of the 37-acre Waterford Crystal site have been purchased for SETU, this investment will allow SETU to cater for future student growth, address the current shortfall in space requirements and allow the technological university to be a driver of economic and social development in Waterford.”

The spokesperson went on to highlight a number of other works which are planned for the future.

“Funding has also been disbursed to SETU since May 2022 to support apprenticeship expansion, Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pilot Programme projects and to provide research equipment.

“Funding has also recently been approved for SETU for the enhancement of healthcare and veterinary education.
“Significant capital investment is underway through the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme with construction costs of €630 million (ex VAT).

“The Engineering, Architecture, Computing and General Teaching Building currently under construction in SETU Waterford is substantially larger than any other (PPP) project in the programme, at almost 13,000 square metres and with nearly double the student capacity of any other Technological University building project in the programme.”

It concluded by citing the construction of a science and health facility at SETU’s Carlow campus.

Deputy Cullinane has been approached for comment in relation to the Department’s response.