The funding will be used as part of a wider strategy to leverage upskilling and meet the needs of the changing entrepreneurial landscape.
Yesterday (7 October) was the day of Budget 2026 and as part of that Skillnet Ireland, the national workforce development agency, will receive funds totalling €54.2m, to be put towards greater skills support for businesses throughout Ireland.
This will be bolstered by up to €26m from the private sector in matched funding, amounting to a total investment of a potential €80m for workforce development in 2026.
SMEs and larger organisations can avail of Skillnet Ireland’s upskilling programmes and business supports via 70 Skillnet business networks and national initiatives. The goal of the platform is to support job applicants and professionals meet the developmental requirements of an increasingly digital and competitive landscape, while also contributing to the growth of a low-carbon, sustainable economy.
Speaking after the Budget announcement, Skillnet Ireland chair Brendan McGinty said, “This is an important investment in workforce development by the Government as part of its support for Ireland’s businesses. Skillnet Ireland, which is industry led, continues to face growing and unprecedented demand for support by Irish enterprises in addressing their workforce development challenges and we continue to work closely with them to support them in that effort.”
Mark Jordan, the Skillnet Ireland chief executive, added, “The world of work continues to evolve at a rapid pace and the ability of businesses to adapt depends on the skills of their people. As a knowledge-based economy nurturing our highly skilled workforce is central to our national competitiveness.”
National training fund
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD, announced today (8 October) that he has obtained Cabinet approval to bring in front of the Oireachtas a bill that would allow for the amendment of the National Training Fund Act.
This would enable the unlocking of a €1.5bn fund for education and research announced in Budget 2025, the Minister said. The aim is to bring the legislation through both houses of the Oireachtas and enact it by the end of 2025.
Commenting on the news, Minister Lawless said, “This package will help deliver the education, training and research needed to keep pace with a fast-changing world. It will support thousands of learners each year across further and higher education institutions, apprenticeships and new upskilling pathways, producing skilled graduates who are ready to contribute to a dynamic and competitive economy.”
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