Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) is taking significant steps towards establishing a state-of-the-art hospitality training college in Killarney.

The project, which aims to redevelop the Pretty Polly site in town, is currently receiving support from SOLAS in developing a Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for funding under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund.
This development was confirmed by outgoing Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O'Donovan, in response to a parliamentary question from newly elected TD Michael Cahill.
Minister O'Donovan stated that Kerry ETB's proposal is one of twelve projects currently being progressed under the fund.
“In parallel to this work, KETB are also currently working on refining their business case proposal and will have the opportunity to submit this proposal to the next evaluation meeting which is targeted for the first quarter of this year. Following evaluation, business cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: Pre-Tender – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy,” said Minister O’Donovan.
The proposed college will focus on skills development in hospitality, while also incorporating renewable energy and sustainable green technologies.
While a site acquisition has not yet been finalised, SOLAS is actively engaging with Kerry ETB to determine the next steps in the process.
The news comes as a positive development for Killarney and the surrounding region, with the potential to significantly boost the local economy and create valuable employment opportunities in the hospitality sector.