Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless and Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills Marian Harkin have launched a new €2 million Transport Fund for Learners with Intellectual Disabilities. The initiative aims to improve access to further education and training by helping learners with intellectual disabilities cover transportation costs and participate in a wider range of courses.
The fund was secured as part of Budget 2026 and expands transport support for learners across the further education and training sector. It is introduced under the Fund for Students with Disabilities and increases the total allocation of the scheme by 35%, raising it from €5.7 million to €7.7 million. The measure is intended to remove barriers that prevent learners with intellectual disabilities from pursuing education and training opportunities.
Government officials highlighted that learners with intellectual disabilities often face challenges in accessing education, including travel limitations and financial barriers. The new transport support aims to address these issues by providing practical assistance that enables students to attend courses and continue their educational journeys in a more inclusive environment.
The funding will be distributed by SOLAS and administered through Ireland’s 16 Education and Training Boards, which will manage the implementation of the scheme at the local level. SOLAS emphasized that improving accessibility and participation across the further education and training system is a priority and that the initiative represents an important step toward building a more inclusive learning environment.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities is a national support programme designed to help students with disabilities participate in approved further and higher education courses. In the further education and training sector, the fund supports Education and Training Boards in providing services such as assistive technology, academic and examination supports, non-medical helpers, supports for deaf or hard-of-hearing learners, transport assistance, and work placement support.
The newly introduced Transport Fund specifically expands these supports beyond Post-Leaving Certificate courses to a broader group of learners within the further education and training system. SOLAS has issued guidelines for the initiative and distributed funding to all Education and Training Boards, with eligible learners expected to benefit from the support in the coming weeks.
