Ireland’s higher education institutions are set to benefit from more than €40 million in additional capital investment, following an announcement by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD.
The funding, allocated through the Devolved Capital Grant programme, forms part of the Government’s continued investment in higher education under Budget 2027. It will help colleges and universities across the country maintain and improve their facilities, equipment and infrastructure to meet the needs of students, staff and researchers.
A total of 19 higher education institutions will receive funding. These include seven universities, five technological universities, two institutes of technology and five other smaller colleges.
The Devolved Capital Grant supports a broad range of essential campus improvements. Projects can include building works, energy efficiency and decarbonisation measures, health and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements and refurbishment. Funding can also be used to purchase or renew equipment, including information and communications technology (ICT).
Announcing the allocation, Minister Lawless said:
“I am pleased to announce an allocation of more than €40 million through the Devolved Capital Grant programme to support higher education institutions nationwide.
“This investment reflects the Government’s sustained commitment to strengthening and future-proofing Ireland’s higher education sector. It forms part of the wider package of investment measures for higher education announced under Budget 2027, demonstrating the Government’s determination to ensure our institutions have the capacity, infrastructure and resources required to meet current and future demands.
“By continuing to invest in campuses, facilities and equipment, we are ensuring that our institutions can deliver excellence in teaching, learning and research, while responding to the needs of a growing and evolving student population.
“Investing in higher education infrastructure is an investment in Ireland’s future. It supports students, staff and researchers across the country, enhances the quality of the learning environment, and helps ensure that our institutions remain innovative, competitive and equipped to seize the opportunities and meet the challenges of the years ahead.”
Elaine Vaughan, Head of Capital Programmes in the Higher Education Authority (HEA), also welcomed the announcement.
She said:
"The HEA welcomes the announcement of over €40 million in Devolved Capital Grant funding for the Higher Education sector. Through the HEA, this funding will support a wide range of improvements across Higher Education Institutions, including enhancements to accessibility, sustainability, teaching and learning and the overall student and staff experience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this funding on Higher Education campuses, through enhanced learning, research and campus environments for students and staff across the sector.”
The allocation represents an important investment in the physical infrastructure supporting higher education in Ireland. Improvements to teaching facilities, accessibility, technology and campus environments can help institutions respond to changing student needs and provide better conditions for learning and research.
Energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects will also support the sustainability objectives of higher education institutions, while refurbishment and equipment upgrades can help ensure campuses remain fit for purpose.
For prospective students, the quality of campus facilities and learning environments is an important consideration when choosing where to study. Continued investment in higher education infrastructure supports the institutions that deliver undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, professional qualifications and research opportunities across Ireland.
