Sectoral Investment Plan: Tertiary Sector - Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
-
Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
Introduction
Education, skills, research and innovation are recognised within Project Ireland 2040 as essential to Ireland’s economic competitiveness, social cohesion and sustainable development. Investment in education and research infrastructure is a key enabler in building a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient society. The 2025 National Development Plan (NDP) review published in July 2025 is targeted specifically to address Ireland’s infrastructural deficits. To close this gap, and to support Ireland’s competitiveness, housing and the wider economy, Government set out annual sectoral allocations for 2026 to 2030, as well as overall Government capital expenditure ceilings to 2035. This Capital Plan for the Tertiary Sector 2026 – 2030 sets out the Department’s research and capital investment medium term priorities for the next five years.
Approach to developing the Sectoral Plan
The Tertiary Sectoral Plan for 2026 – 2030 has been prepared in alignment with the capital ceiling and the objectives of NDP 2026 – 2030. A total of €4.55 billion capital expenditure was allocated to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) for the period 2026 to 2030.
The plan sets out the framework for sectoral investment planning over the 2026 – 2030 period, including the identification of DFHERIS’s capital priorities already in the pipeline as well as new initiatives commencing from 2026. This five-year investment plan will guide delivery across the higher and further education and research sectors.
Strategic objectives and investment priorities
Over half of the NDP allocation is targeted to strengthen Ireland’s research and innovation capacity. This represents a significant increase on the percentage and actual capital allocation to research and innovation from the 2021-2025 capital envelope. A very significant funding envelope is ringfenced for capital investment in our higher and further education institutions, building on the success of the first 5 years of the NDP.
