By Chris Ashmore

APPRENTICESHIP training programmes in Donegal could be delayed or even postponed due to a €2m funding shortfall, members of the Donegal Education and Training Board have been told.

Currently, the ETB’s training centres in Letterkenny and Gaoth Dobhair are at full capacity with 143 apprentices.

However, after reviewing the 2026 funding allocation documentation and completing a financial mid-year review, it has now emerged that there is a funding shortfall in the apprenticeship sector for next year.

Addressing Monday’s meeting of the ETB Board, Ciaran O’Brien, Director of Further Education Training, revealed that the shortfall is €2m.

He stated that Donegal ETB has met with the National Apprenticeship Office and personnel from SOLAS, the state agency that oversees further education and training, in relation to the matter.

However, he warned that “training provision will most likely be delayed / postponed as there is no indication that SOLAS and the NAO will secure the necessary funds to sustain current training provision levels across Donegal ETB and ATU Donegal.”

During a brief discussion on the matter, Cllr. Martin Harley said that he had been in contact with the Tanáiste’s office regarding the shortfall. He said that Simon Harris was the previous Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

“This is not just a Donegal issue,” he said, adding that at a time when we need to spend money to advance apprenticeships in areas like electricians and welding, this is something that “needs to be looked at urgently.”

Recently, researchers at the Economic and Social Research Institute said that Ireland needs 40,000 new construction workers to meet its housing and infrastructure goals.

The Department of Further and Higher Education has increased funding for apprenticeship training from €142 million in 2019 to €339 million in 2025 while first-year apprentice registrations grew by 35 per cent nationally from 2019 to 2024.

And it is now under pressure to provide additional resources.

In conclusion, Mr O’Brien commented that he is “still hopeful” that funding will come through.