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The new Distributed Campus Support Fund has been established to support higher education institutions (HEIs) with multi campuses in the regions, primarily in the technological university sector.
Speaking about the announcement Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris highlighted the importance of strengthening and supporting campuses dispersed in our regions.
“This ensures that HEIs that have multiple campuses can boost and maximise the impact of their campuses in the regions.
"Dispersed campuses often have higher costs associated with delivering education. This funding ensures that regional higher education campuses like those in Thurles or Killybegs are supported in recognition of the fact they are regionally dispersed.”
Balanced regional development
This new investment is focused on ensuring the same level and quality of education and service is being provided in regional campuses.
Higher education institutions are drivers of regional and economic development, according to the minister.
This new fund will be key in supporting their development, with the aim of developing knowledge and skills, promote innovation and collaboration while fostering social inclusion across the regions.
“This new fund will be key to supporting our institutions and sustaining their dispersed campuses, helping them to deliver on their mandates to develop knowledge and skills, promote innovation and collaboration, and to foster social inclusion across the regions.”
Funding allocation
The funding will be distributed to relevant HEIs. According to MEP Maria Walsh, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and University of Galway will all benefit from the new fund.
ATU is set to receive over €2.6m, while TUS and University of Galway will receive €690,000 and €230,000 respectively.
Walsh highlights the impact it will have on third-level institutions, as midlands-northwest will be receiving well over 50% of the total funding.
“This will guarantee that regardless of where students attend university, they will receive the highest possible quality of education,” she said.
“The reality is that the cost of delivering education in regional campuses can often be higher, but our young people should not have to pay the price. This funding ensures that regional higher education campuses across midlands-northwest, from Killybegs to Letterfrack, are supported in recognition of the fact they are regionally dispersed.”
Strategic Support Fund
The Minister also announced the creation of a new ‘Strategic Support Fund’ of €1.2m. This is a continuation of an existing support fund which can be deployed to support vulnerable institutions.
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