Higher education institutions across Ireland are set to secure a host of new green and accessibility upgrades.

Funding of €40 million has been announced to support the development of higher education institutions for the upcoming academic year.

The funding must be used for key capital investment priorities including investments to support universal access, energy efficiency and decarbonisation upgrades, and minor works and equipment. General ICT and equipment-related upgrades, as well as health and safety works, and other building upgrades are also included.

Grant funding for the coming academic year is being extended to the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS) for the first time.

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Announcing the additional funding, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris said: "I'm delighted to announce a significant devolved capital grant for the higher education sector to support a range of capital priorities.

"Our third level sector faces significant challenges in responding to climate objectives and this fund will assist with making energy upgrades.

"It will also ensure our campuses are inclusive and accessible. The funding can be used to make the necessary upgrades to make campuses accessible for people with disabilities, and it can also be used to help students access laptops or other ICT requirements.

"The funding forms part of ongoing investment in the higher education sector under Project Ireland 2040 and reaffirms a strong commitment to public investment in higher education infrastructure."

Funding will be provided through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for all Technological Universities, Institutes of Technology and smaller colleges with the exception of RIAM and DIAS who will be funded directly by DFHERIS.