Minister James Lawless publishes record €4.55 billion investment plan to transform Ireland’s tertiary education, research, and innovation
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 5 December 2025
- Last updated on: 5 December 2025
- Largest ever investment will unlock talent, drive cutting-edge research, and deliver world-class infrastructure to strengthen skills, competitiveness, and regional development
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Green Skills, Marian Harkin TD, published the Tertiary Sector Capital Investment Plan 2026–2030 - a landmark €4.55 billion investment to expand capacity, modernise infrastructure, and strengthen Ireland’s position as a global leader in talent development, cutting-edge research, and innovation.
Aligned with the updated National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030, the Plan sets out a strategic roadmap for capital investment across higher education, further education and training, apprenticeships, and research and innovation - driving growth, fostering talent, and building world-class infrastructure for the next five years.
Minister Lawless described the Plan as “a transformative investment in the knowledge economy, competitiveness, and Ireland’s long-term social and economic progress".
Minister Lawless said:
“This Plan represents the largest capital injection ever delivered to the tertiary sector. It will strengthen Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem, expand capacity in higher education to meet workforce demands, and support balanced regional development. By providing modern, energy-efficient campuses and fit-for-purpose research environments, we are enhancing our global competitiveness and equipping Ireland to respond to major societal challenges including housing, sustainability and long-term economic growth.
"These investments ensure we can modernise and expand infrastructure to deliver a high-quality and universally accessible campus experience and strengthen the role of our institutions in advancing key national priorities - from climate action and shared island cooperation to skills, innovation, and enterprise growth. We are also supporting the development of the technological university sector as regional anchors for skills, research, and innovation."
Over €2.45 billion will be invested directly into research and innovation, reaffirming Ireland’s commitment to a knowledge-driven society and an innovation-led economy. This will fund world-class research facilities, new centres, advanced equipment, and major international collaborations, strengthening Ireland’s ability to attract high-value jobs, support enterprise, and drive discovery in areas of strategic importance.
Minister of State Marian Harkin highlighted the impact on further education, apprenticeships, green skills, and regional development.
She said:
"Further Education and Training has a transformative impact - opening pathways to secure careers, strengthening communities, and supporting local and national priorities. Through this Plan, we are investing in the facilities, equipment, and apprenticeship capacity needed to deliver lifelong learning, green skills, construction skills, and workforce transformation. This will ensure that people of all ages, backgrounds, and regions can access the skills they need to thrive, while supporting the housing ambition of the State and the wider economy."
Minister Lawless concluded:
"This Plan is about building capacity for Ireland’s future — in our people, our institutions and our economy. It provides the infrastructure required for world-class research, responsive skills provision, and inclusive access to lifelong learning. I look forward to working with all partners across the tertiary sector as we implement this ambitious programme."
Notes
Key Measures in the Tertiary Sector Capital Investment Plan 2026–2030:
Strengthening Research & Innovation Capacity
- A new Research Infrastructure Programme to replace ageing equipment and enhance institutional capacity.
- Investment in a new high-performance computing system with the University of Galway and the Irish Centre for High-End Computing.
- Further support for Tyndall National Institute as a national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development, and graduate training.
- Support for Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, implementing its first five-year strategy and providing over €1.4 billion in competitive research funding across all disciplines.
- A €60 million contribution to maintain Ireland’s membership in major international research organisations, including CERN.
Transforming Higher and Further Education Infrastructure
The Plan will deliver major upgrades and expansions across the tertiary sector, including:
- Expansion of healthcare and veterinary education capacity through new veterinary schools at SETU and ATU and new healthcare places across several universities.
- Major co-funded projects including the University of Galway Library and Learning Commons, UCD’s Future Campus Project (Phase 1), and the O’Brien Centre for Science Phase 3.
- Progression of the Higher Education PPP Programme, delivering new STEM buildings to accommodate 8,500 additional student places.
- Support for the Technological Sector Strategic Projects Programme (TSSPP) and energy efficiency and decarbonisation initiatives.
- Implementation of the forthcoming National Student Accommodation Strategy and the Short-Term Activation Programme (STAP) to expand student housing supply.
- Advancement of 12 major projects under the FET College of the Future programme.
- Significant investment in innovative FET equipment to meet skills needs in six critical areas: construction, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, hospitality, and green skills.
- Expanded apprenticeship funding to increase capacity and ensure sustainable delivery of training.
- The Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Programme (SIUP) to advance 18 small-to-medium capital projects, upgrading and modernising existing FET facilities.