Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has announced a €65.8 million investment targeting Ireland’s technological sector and publicly funded specialist colleges, following a Cabinet decision. The funding will be delivered through the Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF), managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), with up to €30 million to be disbursed this year for projects starting in January 2026 and running over a 36-month period until December 2028.
Minister Lawless highlighted that the TEF continues the government’s commitment to reforming higher education and strengthening Ireland’s knowledge economy. “This is about ensuring that students can learn, live and work in their region, and that our higher education institutions are equipped to drive future growth, inclusion, and competitiveness,” he said. He added that, subject to approvals, the fund will enable Ireland’s five Technological Universities to fully align with established universities by gaining the capacity to appoint Professorial grades, a milestone not previously available under their former Institutes of Technology status.
Dr Alan Wall, CEO of the HEA, explained that the TEF is designed to respond to the diversity of Ireland’s higher education system. “The nine institutions eligible for TEF funding are distinct in strategy, location, scale, mission, and stage of development, and the projects funded reflect this range. While the outputs vary, they converge on key priorities such as student success, digital capability, security, and climate and sustainability,” he said.
The funding will support higher education institutions in advancing digital transformation and business intelligence, promoting student engagement and success, and expanding professional development opportunities for staff. It will also aid institutions in meeting Climate Action targets, including monitoring and reporting on Climate Action Roadmaps, as well as fostering collaboration on initiatives such as academic integrity, TU data infrastructure enhancement, and preparation for developments in artificial intelligence. This strategic investment aims to accelerate institutional performance for the benefit of students, staff, and regional communities across Ireland.
