Dublin — 5 December 2025 — Ireland is set for the largest investment in its tertiary education and research system in the history of the State, following the publication of a €4.55 billion Tertiary Sector Capital Investment Plan 2026–2030 by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless and Minister of State Marian Harkin.
The landmark plan, aligned with the updated National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030, outlines a five‑year roadmap to expand capacity, modernise infrastructure and strengthen Ireland’s position as a global leader in talent development, cutting‑edge research and innovation.
A Transformative Investment in Skills and Competitiveness
Minister Lawless described the plan as a “transformative investment” that will underpin Ireland’s long‑term economic and social progress. The funding will support modern, energy‑efficient campuses, new research environments and expanded higher‑education capacity to meet workforce demands in areas such as housing, sustainability and advanced technologies.
More than €2.45 billion will be directed specifically toward research and innovation, including new research centres, advanced equipment, international collaborations and a major upgrade of national research infrastructure. The plan also supports Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, which will deliver over €1.4 billion in competitive research funding across all disciplines.
Strengthening Further Education, Apprenticeships and Green Skills
Minister of State Marian Harkin highlighted the plan’s impact on further education and apprenticeships, noting its role in delivering lifelong learning, green skills and construction training essential to Ireland’s housing and climate goals. Investment will expand apprenticeship capacity, upgrade equipment across six key skills areas and advance 12 major projects under the FET College of the Future programme.
Major Infrastructure Upgrades Across the Sector
The plan includes significant capital projects across universities, technological universities and further‑education colleges, including:
- New veterinary schools at SETU and ATU
- Expansion of healthcare education places
- Co‑funded projects such as the University of Galway Library and Learning Commons, UCD Future Campus (Phase 1) and O’Brien Centre for Science Phase 3
- Delivery of new STEM buildings through the Higher Education PPP Programme, creating 8,500 additional student places
- Implementation of the National Student Accommodation Strategy and the Short‑Term Activation Programme to expand student housing
- Energy‑efficiency and decarbonisation upgrades across the tertiary sector
A €60 million contribution will also maintain Ireland’s membership in major international research organisations, including CERN.
Building Capacity for Ireland’s Future
Minister Lawless said the plan will ensure Ireland’s institutions can deliver world‑class research, responsive skills provision and inclusive access to lifelong learning. “This plan is about building capacity for Ireland’s future — in our people, our institutions and our economy,” he said.
Implementation will begin in 2026, with the Government describing the programme as central to strengthening competitiveness, supporting regional development and preparing Ireland for the next decade of economic and societal challenges.
TU COLLEGE GRANGEGORMAN CAMPUS, TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY DUBLIN, Flickr Picture by William Murphy
