Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin has announced €28 million in funding for the purchase of research equipment in 24 third level colleges.
The announcement comes in the wake of the publication of a Higher Education Authority (HEA)/ Forfás Research Infrastructure Review which identified shortfalls in research equipment.
The level of funding allocated to each of the institutions will be determined on the basis of the number of full-time research post graduate students in each college.
"The funding available for each institution will address the need for small and medium sized items of equipment whilst very large equipment might be obtained through Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions," said Ms Hanafin.
"The Strategy for Science Research and Technology (SSTI) emphasises that world class research requires first class people and also the supporting infrastructure within which to carry out that research and this funding supports that strategy."
Funding for the scheme is being met under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and also through EU Structural Funds.
