College campuses across Ireland to benefit from newly announced funding worth €40m

The government has announced millions of euro in funding for third level institutions to improve college campuses. 

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, today (June 26) confirmed €40 million will be distributed to 20 institutions. 

A total of €20 million has been allocated to the technological sector, with €19,200,000 for the university/colleges sector. 

University College Dublin (UCD) will receive €3,783,550, with €3,047,598 going towards the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), €4,043,043 for Atlantic Technological University (ATU), and €3,418,469 for South East Technological University (SETU). 

The funding will be used to improve access for people with disabilities, energy efficiency upgrades, and other necessary investments at campuses nationwide. 

Minister Harris said, "As our third level sector concludes another academic year, this is an important investment ahead of the next college year. 

"The number of people attending higher education is increasing and our college campuses need to expand and improve  to cater for this increased numbers. This significant grant will give institutions flexibility to make improvements in key
areas such as energy efficiency and decarbonisation upgrades." 
 
He continued: "The funding can also be used for accessibility upgrades - an issue close to my heart. This will help make campuses more accessible and inclusive. This is a substantial devolved capital grant for higher education institutions to
support a variety of capital priorities.

"It is the second year it has increased to €40 million  - a signal of Government's commitment to higher education and to delivering world class facilities." 

Funding will be provided through the Higher Education Authority(HEA) for all Technological Universities, Institutes of Technology except for two who will be funded directly by the Department.