Press release
Minister Lawless announces funding for Further Education and Training sector
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless has today announced €8 million funding in further education capital grants for the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
The devolved capital grant will help ETBs carry out small-scale works and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring projects are advanced quickly and efficiently.
Making the announcement today, Minister Lawless said:
“I am very pleased to announce the continuation of this vital funding stream to the ETBs, to support FET provision nationally.
“The devolved capital grant allows ETBs to address a range of small-scale capital needs across their FET estates, including minor works and procurement of equipment.
“This funding is an essential part of the overall funding framework to support ETBs in the delivery of FET.”
Funding is provided under Project 2040 and forms part of the ongoing investment in the further education and training (FET) sector.
Using this grant, ETBs will be able to carry out work such as upgrades to computer labs and science labs, replacement of apprenticeship equipment, roof works and planned improvement works of FET buildings.
Minister Lawless added:
“The National Development Plan, part of Project Ireland 2040, provided a dedicated capital envelope for the FET sector.
“The Devolved Capital Allocation allows ETBs to respond to the most pressing FET capital needs within their respective regions.
“ETBs can prioritise maintenance and upgrading works across their existing capital stock, ensuring value for money while enhancing the FET learning environment.”
Dr Avril Behan, Director of FET College of the Future in SOLAS, said:
"SOLAS is delighted with the announcement of continuing support for Education and Training Boards (ETBs) through the Devolved Capital Grant for FET.
"This grant enables ongoing improvement in the quality and capacity of learning facilities, as well as providing learners with access to equipment and supports which are vital for their skills-focused education and training."
The funding will be distributed through SOLAS.
SOLAS will distribute the Devolved Capital Allocation of just over €8 million to the individual ETBs as set out in the following table. The devolved funding bands reflect the overall scale of each ETB and are based on overall funding allocations.
| ETB | Maximum Capital Value for each ETB | Total funding 2025 |
| Cavan Monaghan ETB (CMETB), Donegal ETB (DETB), Kilkenny & Carlow ETB (KCETB), Laois & Offaly ETB (LOETB), Longford & Westmeath ETB (LWETB), Tipperary ETB (TETB) | €435,000 | €2,610,000 |
| Galway & Roscommon ETB (GRETB), Kerry ETB (KETB), Kildare & Wicklow ETB (KWETB), Louth & Meath ETB (LMETB), Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB (MSLETB | €507,500 | €2,537,500 |
| City of Dublin ETB (CDETB), Cork ETB (CETB), Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB), Limerick & Clare ETB (LCETB), Waterford and Wexford ETB (WWETB) | €580,000 | €2,900,000 |
| Total 2025 Devolved Capital Allocation | €8,047,500 |