The funding will support small-scale building works, energy upgrades, health and safety improvements and more.

The Government has announced the availability of the Devolved Capital Grant of €41m, to be allocated to 12 universities, five smaller colleges and two Institutes of Technology for 2026/2027. 

The grant will enable the 19 selected higher education institutions to undergo small-scale building works, including energy efficiency and decarbonisation upgrades, health and safety works, accessing upgrades or refurbishment and equipment purchase or renewal.

The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will receive more than €4m, while Munster Technological University (MTU), South East Technological University (SETU), TU Dublin, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and University College Dublin (UCD), will all receive at least €3m. 

Dublin City University (DCU), University College Cork (UCC), University of Limerick (UL) and University of Galway, are all set to receive more than €2m. 

Finally the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology (IADT), Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Maynooth University (MU), the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and the Royal Irish Academy (RIA), will all be awarded between €500,000 and just under €2m. 

Commenting on the funding, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD, said, “I am delighted to announce this €41m investment, which will help our higher education institutions deliver sustainable, safe and future-ready campuses. These colleges and universities are central to Ireland’s innovation and talent pipeline and they need facilities that reflect that ambition.

“The provision of this significant funding for minor capital works, refurbishment and equipment renewal ensures that our higher education institutions can keep their infrastructure fit-for-purpose and operating sustainably. 

“Appropriate levels of maintenance funding deliver real benefits, reducing unplanned downtime, extending asset lifespan and improving reliability and performance, while ensuring facilities remain up-to-date and aligned with climate objectives.”

In December of last year, the Irish Government published its five-year €4.55bn investment plan to support research, innovation and post-secondary education. The investment was first announced in July 2025 as part of the revised National Development plan, with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science securing the capital allocation for 2026-2030.

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