11 projects aimed at supporting students, promoting staff and achieving digital transformation and climate targets will receive funding under the new scheme.
The Irish Government has announced the first allocation of funding from a new scheme set up to support the growth of Ireland’s technological universities and publicly funded specialist colleges.
Under this new Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF), total funding of €65.8m has been allocated for 11 three-year projects starting in January 2026, with up to €30m to be disbursed this year.
The aim of the funding is to support these higher education institutions to grow and ensure that students have access to opportunities and facilities across the country.
Projects can aim to advance digital transformation and business intelligence, support student success, increase professional development opportunities for staff and support the attainment of climate action targets.
South East Technological University (SETU) will receive the highest allocation with an award of €12m, while Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will receive €10.5m and Technological University Dublin (TUD) will receive €10m.
Other institutions to receive funding include Munster Technological University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Technological University of the Shannon and Mary Immaculate College.
Two collaborative projects to enhance data infrastructure and boost academic integrity were granted €4.5m and €1m respectively.
Minister Lawless with representatives of the nine HEIs receiving funds. Image: DFHERIS
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD, said that the new fund continues the Government’s plans for reforming higher education.
“The TEF is an additional investment in our national ambition to further strengthen our smart, skilled knowledge economy,” he said.
“This is about ensuring that students can learn, live and work in their region and that our higher education institutions are equipped to drive future growth, inclusion and competitiveness.”
A particular outcome of the fund he highlighted is that, subject to approvals, the fund will enable the country’s five technological universities to appoint professorial grades – an option not open to them in their former status as institutes of technology.
CEO of the Higher Education Authority, Dr Alan Wall said that the new fund aims to respond to the diversity of Ireland’s education and research ecosystem.
“The nine institutions eligible for TEF funding are distinct in strategy, location, scale, mission and stage of development, and the projects funded reflect this range.
“While the outputs and outcomes of projects vary, they importantly coalesce around a number of key priorities for the sector, including student success, digital capability and security, and climate and sustainability.”
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