Higher Education Minister facing calls for ‘purpose-built’ North Meath educational facility

The request is one which is being led by Independent local election candidate Cormac Corr.

The Kells local electoral area hopeful said there was a real and pressing need to explore the possibility of adding a state of the art facility in the Meath town.

“For too long, residents of our town and the surrounding areas seeking further education or training have been required to travel long distances to attend classes and lectures,” he said.

“This has harmed our town and placed many families under unnecessary financial burden.

Mr Corr said he was of the firm belief that an institute of further education was the “ultimate solution” in addressing the dearth of a higher level educational campus in Kells.

“I envision a purpose-built institute offering Level 5 and 6 courses, practical training, and specialized video conferencing rooms, allowing students enrolled in universities at home and abroad to attend lectures remotely,” he said.

“Initially, various courses should be piloted locally in temporary accommodation. If successful, a purpose-built institution, in keeping with the surrounding appearance, should be constructed on council-owned land, perhaps on a section of the over 100 acres owned by the council at Lloyd.”

Mr Corr said the establishment of a further educational institute, in his view, would be in keeping with “tradition” given that Kells provided the backdrop to one of the world’s most noteworthy religious manuscripts, the Book of Kells.

“The institute would offer the opportunity for north Meath to grow, progress, and develop, as has been the case in many other areas,” he said.

“It would bring considerable job opportunities for locals, increased footfall for local businesses, and, most importantly, it would offer local people the opportunity to further their education and expand their horizons, allowing for a better standard of living and a more secure future.”