Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) has been allocated €1.74 million in the latest funding investment announced by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.
Donegal ETB’s allocation is part of an overall investment of €39 million in devolved capital funding that is being disbursed across the country’s 16 ETBs.
The funding will support essential works, including maintenance, health and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, ICT and equipment modernisation, as well as energy efficiency measures and specialist equipment to upskill staff in key sectors such as construction, biopharmaceuticals and MedTech.
Welcoming the announcement, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue said: “Donegal ETB plays a vital role in education in our county. This funding of €1.74 million will allow Donegal ETB to carry out important upgrades, improve access and safety, and invest in specialist equipment to support the skills our local economy needs. It ensures that learners, staff, and communities will continue to be empowered now and into the future.”
The funding, provided under Project Ireland 2040 and distributed via SOLAS, will support essential works including maintenance, health and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, and the modernisation of ICT and equipment. It also covers specialist equipment to upskill staff in key sectors such as construction, biopharmaceuticals, and MedTech, directly addressing local and national skills needs.
“The consistent provision of funding for Donegal ETB is extremely important. It ensures that our education offerings remain high-quality, relevant, and accessible. This latest investment guarantees that people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can reach their full potential within our county,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added.
The allocation also includes support through the Green Devolved Capital Grant, enabling energy efficiency measures such as advanced metering, aligning with the Government’s 2030 decarbonisation targets.
“I would like to thank my colleague Minister Lawless for his work on this initiative. Fianna Fáil is the party of education, committed to ensuring that young people and those returning to education have access to the best possible facilities and support. This announcement is another positive development for Donegal’s educational infrastructure,” the Donegal Minister of State commented.
Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has also welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a timely and strategic investment in the future of learners, communities, and regional development.”
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the ETBs and in the vital role of Further Education and Training in supporting regional growth, lifelong learning, and climate action. I look forward to seeing the benefits of this funding for learners and communities across Donegal and the country.”
