Wexford SETU campus remains at design stage amid calls for student accommodation to be included in project

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The development of the new South East Technological University (SETU) campus in Wexford remains at the design stage despite prior promises that a planning application would be submitted in 2025. At the October meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC) councillors requested an update on the progress of the project which will also see two schools (Educate Together and Selskar College), a UEFA standard football stadium, an all-weather GAA pitch, other sporting facilities and housing built on the site at Killeens/Whiterock.

“The education and training board (ETB) approved a design team two years ago, are we any closer with this?” asked Councillor Leonard Kelly. “Do we have any update on the sports facilities, will those works run parallel with the SETU campus development?”

Cllr Biddy Walsh described the proposed SETU campus as “the most important educational facility in Co Wexford” and said it should be at “the top of the agenda” at every meeting going forward.

“This is long overdue,” added Cllr Tom Forde, “it’s been at the design stage for some time now.”

Updating the councillors, director of services Liz Hore said there had been a number of meetings with the ETB architects and the plans for the two schools were progressing accordingly.

"The site will be great for both schools, the plans are active and should reach the next phase very shortly,” she added. “In relation to the sports facilities, the FAI successfully put in a funding application and that is progressing and active also. And the SETU campus received clearance in July."

“Will a planning application be submitted this year, we were told this would happen in 2025,” noted Cllr Forde.

“I will check with the ETB and come back to you,” replied Ms Hore.

Looking to the future, Cllr Kelly asked whether those attending the new SETU campus would have somewhere to live.

“Are there any plans for student accommodation in the campus?” he asked. “I have two children in third level and know all about the struggles to get accommodation.”

“That’s a matter for SETU,” came the response.