Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2025
204. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the initiatives being developed to ensure workers in County Meath have access to upskilling opportunities in growth sectors such as green energy, technological development and science; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50682/25]
View answerMy Department supports a broad range of initiatives across Ireland to ensure that workers are equipped with the skills required to meet the needs of growth sectors such as green energy, technological development and science.
Ireland has the benefit of a strong, diverse skills ecosystem that is designed to support enterprise at all stages of skills development. This includes full-time & part-time programmes and micro-credentials from further and higher education as well as targeted supports such as SOLAS’s Skills to Advance, or from industry collaboration with Skillnet Ireland which has provided upskilling programmes to nearly 98,000 workers across 26,000 companies in 2024.
DFHERIS also supports regional development through a network of Regional Skills Fora across Ireland. These provide a link between enterprise and education supports, ensuring that the needs of regional enterprises across Ireland are met as they grow and sustain their businesses.
Within Co. Meath specifically, Louth-Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) offers a range of Further Education and Training (FET) initiatives to support upskilling in green energy, technological development and science. For example, Dunboyne College of Further Education offers over 60 full-time QQI Level 5 and 6 courses in Science, Engineering, and IT, designed to meet local industry needs.
Addressing digital transformation is a strong component of the Programme for Government. This relates to all aspects of technology adoption for all kinds of businesses and public services. Currently, there are three digital literacy/fundamental ICT courses available through LMETB. as well as apprenticeships in new areas like Cyber Security. Adult Literacy Services also support IT skills for those in employment.
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) in Navan and LMETB traineeships in Engineering Manufacturing and White Goods Field Service Engineering offer pathways to employment or further study, with QQI certification on completion.
These offerings are in addition to the programmes in the Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (AMCTE) run by LMETB. The AMTCE supports people to reskill or upskill in the new emerging technologies used in industry 4.0 and enables people to develop new careers in advanced manufacturing through apprenticeships and traineeships.
Green and sustainability-focussed skills are essential for meeting Climate Action Plan targets and for the green transition. My Department works with the tertiary sector to develop the necessary skills so that the future workforce is equipped to support the green transition – from developing transferable green skills for life to specific requirements for emerging green sectors such as retrofit and renewable energy.
For example, a suite of green skills programmes has been developed by SOLAS in collaboration with enterprise partners and new green skills micro-qualifications are being rolled out by all 16 Education and Training Boards.
In recent years, the Government has emphasised the importance of green skills in higher education to meet the demands of the modern workforce. Springboard+ 2025 is providing almost 8,000 places on 249 courses, including part-time micro-credentials and full-time courses. Courses on offer include a range of critical skills areas, including green skills, ICT skills, advanced manufacturing, food technology and pharmaceuticals. Springboard+ is open to the unemployed, employed and those returning to the workforce, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. This national skills development programme has demonstrated strong outcomes in learner progression and graduate employability, with most participants securing employment or progressing to further study upon completion. Courses of particular relevance to learners in Co. Meath include those offered by Dublin providers, as well as by Maynooth University and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
Maynooth University is also progressing a strategic alignment with Dundalk Institute of Technology. Minister Lawless attended the opening of a Regional Research Graduate Academy for the joint registering and training of postgraduate research students between Maynooth University and DkIT earlier this year.
