The Irish Government has published its five-year plan to drive growth and innovation in research and education.
The Irish Government has today (5 December) published its five-year €4.55bn investment plan to support research, innovation and post-secondary education.
Key measures announced include €1.4bn for Research Ireland’s competitive research funding, plans for a new high-performance computing system and €60m to maintain Ireland’s membership in major international research organisations, including CERN.
The investment commitment was first announced in July as part of the revised National Development plan, with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science securing the capital allocation for 2026-2030.
More than €2.45bn will be invested directly into research and innovation, the Government said today. This includes replacing old research equipment, and funding new centres and international collaborations. The development of a new high-performance computing system will be undertaken by the University of Galway and the Irish Centre for High-End Computing. Tyndall National Institute will be a national focal point for deep-tech research and graduate training, according to the plan.
In terms of education and training, the Government plans to expand healthcare and veterinary education through new veterinary schools and more healthcare places across several universities. A new veterinary medical programme was launched at Atlantic Technological University just last week.
There is also a plan to deliver new STEM buildings to accommodate 8,500 additional student places, as well as support for energy efficient and decarbonisation initiatives. The Government aims to tackle the lack of student accommodation through the forthcoming National Student Accommodation Strategy and the Short-Term Activation Programme.
Included in the measures for further education and training is a plan for “significant investment” to meet skills needs in six critical areas: construction, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, hospitality and green skills.
“This plan represents the largest capital injection ever delivered to the tertiary sector. It will strengthen Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem, expand capacity in higher education to meet workforce demands, and support balanced regional development,” said Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD.
“By providing modern, energy-efficient campuses and fit-for-purpose research environments, we are enhancing our global competitiveness and equipping Ireland to respond to major societal challenges including housing, sustainability and long-term economic growth.”
Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Green Skills Marian Harkin, TD highlighted the “transformative impact” of further education and training.
“Through this plan, we are investing in the facilities, equipment and apprenticeship capacity needed to deliver lifelong learning, green skills, construction skills and workforce transformation. This will ensure that people of all ages, backgrounds and regions can access the skills they need to thrive.”
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