Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has announced €40 million in funding to improve college campuses.
The funding, which will be distributed to 20 institutions, will be used to improve access for people with disabilities, and invest in necessary upgrades.
Speaking about the funding, 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. 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 fourth year it has increased to €40 million – a signal of Government’s commitment to higher education and to delivering world class facilities.”
Seven universities, five Technological Universities, two Institutes of Technology and six other colleges are benefitting from this devolved grant.
Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes in the HEA welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and added, “we welcome the announcement of a Devolved Capital Grant of €40 million to the higher education sector for the academic year 2023-2024.”
“This grant, which is provided through the HEA, is intended to support Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in addressing their infrastructural requirements including energy efficiency and decarbonisation-related upgrades and investments to support universal access. The grant will support a range of capital priorities across the sector and previous grants has shown demonstrable impact on the HEI’s capacity to deliver on their strategic goals as well as improving the campus experience for students and staff.”
The funding can be used for energy efficiency and decarbonisation upgrades, investment to support universal access, general ICT and equipment upgrades, health and safety works and minor works and equipment.
Previous grant allocations under Project Ireland 2040 have delivered tangible benefits for students and staff.
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.
