Minister O ’Keeffe announces go-ahead for single CIT apprentice building

Apprentices in Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) will be able to work in a single building from next September following the Government's funding go-ahead for the project, according to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD.

Late last year, Minister O'Keeffe gave CIT the go-ahead to buy a 7.4-acre site for 5.8 million which would allow the college to accommodate all apprentice activities on its Bishopstown campus.

Minister O'Keeffe was then Minister for Education and Science.

CIT's apprentice activities are now scattered across Cork city.

CIT can tender immediately to start refurbishment works for the new centralised apprentice building on the old Tyco site following the go-ahead for Government grant aid.

Announcing the move, Minister O'Keeffe said: 'CIT will be able to transfer apprentices from rented accommodation across the city back to the main CIT campus in Bishopstown.

'The funding will turn the existing buildings on the old Tyco site into modern fit-for-purpose accommodation for CIT's painting, refrigeration, plastering and construction plant fitters apprentices.

'I am delighted that the Government, in partnership with CIT, has been able to see this project through and ensure that funding was available at a time when pressure on public resources is considerable.

'The move will make an enormous difference to the apprentices, lecturers and staff,' said Minister O'Keeffe, who is a former lecturer in CIT.