The Government has announced €8 million of funding for the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to support the further education and training sector.

The investment which will be distributed under Project Ireland 2040 may be used by ETBs to plan and deliver essential small-scale works at a local level. The works will improve the FET infrastructure, provide for essential new or upgrades to equipment needs and implement energy efficiency and decarbonisation-related investment.

ETBs have provided feedback which shows that the availability of this devolved funding programme, allows for efficient and effective delivery of essential smaller projects.

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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, said: "I am very pleased to announce the continuation of this vital funding stream to the ETBs and to also confirm funding at the same level, for the next two years. This allows ETBs to build on their plans not just for 2024 but for 2025 and 2026.

"The Devolved Capital Grant has proved an essential part of the overall funding framework to support ETBs in the delivery of FET.

"This is a vital investment in our further education colleges and the learners. It is essential to ensuring they have the flexibility to deliver improvements in their campuses and this three-year certainty means they can plan ahead."

Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins, said: "The Devolved Capital Grant is a priority investment for ETBs under the National Development Plan, as part of Project Ireland 2040.

"I am confident that the delivery of small-scale works, without delay at a local level, assists the ETBs in maximising their FET estates, allowing students to maximise their learning experience in a more suitable and comfortable learning environment."