A €1.2 billion fund will revamp third-level colleges to increase the country's competitive edge in the world economy, it was claimed today.
The Government today expanded on last week's Budget proposals for fourth-level education and announced 35 major construction projects over the next five years.
A €900 million building fund will develop faculties for engineering, IT, science, technology, tourism and arts while a separate €300 million allocation will drive innovation across the sector.
The Taoiseach described the move as "a further demonstration of the Government's commitment to ensure Ireland's third level institutions will be able to contribute fully to securing our future prosperity.
A total of €305 million in Exchequer money will fund 18 of the projects while a €270 million Public Private Partnership programme will finance the remaining 17.
Mr Ahern said investing in third and fourth level education is a major national infrastructural priority. "Our higher education system has become crucial to Ireland's national development objectives," he said.
"We need to produce quality skilled graduates that can meet the high-value jobs needs of the emerging sectors of the economy.
The Minister for Education said the Strategic Innovation Fund which will support radical change and improve performance in third level institutions.
"It will encourage institutions to work more closely together and to pursue internal re-organisation and quality improvements that can lead to the development of a world class higher education system in Ireland," Ms Hanafin added.
Among the 17 PPP projects are: Carlow IT Teaching & Research Wing; Cork IT Library Phase 2; Dun Laoghaire Institute Art Design Technology (DLIADT) Digital Media Teaching Building; Galway Mayo IT Engineering School; IT Tallaght Engineering Building; Limerick IT Library Information Resource; NUI Maynooth Maths Sciences & Computer Centre and Waterford IT Engineering and Science Building.
The 18 Exchequer-funded projects include: Athlone IT Engineering/Informatics Building; Blanchardstown IT Additional Teaching Accommodation; Cork IT Crawford College of Art and Design; DCU Library and Information Resource Centre; Dundalk IT development of the former Carroll's Property; IT Sligo Refurbishment of original Engineering Wing; Killybegs Tourism College Phase 1 Main Building; St Patrick's, Drumcondra Campus Development and Trinity College Dublin Social Workers.
PA