SETU secures largest share of €65.8m government fund
SOUTH East Technological University has been allocated €12 million under a new government funding scheme, with €5.4 million to be released in the first year.
The Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF), announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless on Tuesday 2 December, will see €65.8 million invested across technological universities, institutes of technology and specialist colleges.
SETU (with campuses in both Carlow and Waterford) received the largest allocation, representing 18% of the total fund. The first year payment of €5.448 million for 2025/26 will be released upon approval of the university’s project plan.
Carlow TD Catherine Callaghan welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a major vote of confidence in the excellent work done by our technological universities across the country, and particularly in SETU.” “I’m delighted to see that SETU has received the largest share of the Technological Enhancement Fund, and am excited to see the excellent uses that this funding is put towards,” Deputy Callaghan said.
“Carlow Town is now a thriving university town, and with this funding announcement today, we can continue to build upon that reputation into the future.” The funding will enable institutions to introduce professorial grades, strengthen digital infrastructure and systems, and support staff development and strategic project implementation.
Projects will commence in January 2026 and operate over a 36-month period to December 2028, with up to €30 million to be disbursed this year.
Minister Lawless said the investment would ensure students “can learn, live and work in their region and that our higher education institutions are equipped to drive future growth, inclusion, and competitiveness.” Atlantic Technological University received the second-largest allocation of €10.5 million, followed by Technological University Dublin with €10 million.
