€430 million in new capital programmes for FET sectors

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and Minister of State for Skills Niall Collins TD have announced a new phase of capital investment in the further and higher education sectors.

45% of the total allocation of €430 million will be directed to further education and training, including the expansion of skills centres and apprenticeship programmes across the country and the establishment of Further Education and Training Colleges of the Future.  The new programmes will also see significant capital investment in the higher education sector, including a programme targeted to strengthen and support  the new Technological Universities.

Minister Collins stated '"This new phase of capital investment will make a significant contribution to supporting the skills pipeline through the creation of additional places across a range of skills areas'. 

Minister Harris said "The next phase of investment will position the further and higher education sectors to together cater for rising demand by offering a comprehensive range of complementary options for learners. This includes increasing numbers of school leavers seeking further and higher education places - including apprenticeships – as well as those seeking to reskill and upskill throughout their lives'. 

There are separate funding streams for higher education institutions and ETBs, however it is hoped that through the investment approach, that close collaboration will be encouraged between higher and education providers.

More details on the announcement are available to read here