Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
228. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding available to his Department in 2026 for capital development in the further education sector; the projects that will progress in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67811/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the National Development Plan 2025 review, I secured a capital allocation for my Department amounting to €4.55 billion over the 2026-2030 period. Of this, my Department will have a total capital allocation of €810m in 2026, which will be allocated between research and innovation, higher education and further education and training (FET). €311m of this total has been allocated for further and higher education capital infrastructure investment.
This investment will deliver new and upgraded facilities, modernised campuses and additional capacity to meet growing regional and national demand. Specifically on the FET side, it will focus on key further education and training programmes, including: the?FET College Major Capital Programme, the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund, Apprenticeships, Emergency Health & Safety Works grants and the Minor Capital Works Grant.
Investment in cutting edge kit, equipment and technology to align with current and emerging industry developments is essential to facilitate FET taking the lead in six key areas, of: construction, hospitality, manufacturing, technology, healthcare and green economy. Significant capital investment is anticipated in this area in 2026.
My Department works collaboratively, through SOLAS with the Education Training Boards on the?development?and delivery of FET capital projects. The FET capital budget is managed at an overall level, with the allocation to each project in any one year determined by the pace of progress of its project(s) through design, planning, procurement and delivery.
