TUS awarded €7 million from new technological sector fund
The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has been awarded €7 million from a new Technological Sector Advancement Fund set up by the Government.
The allocation formed part of a total award of €42 million for the country's five technological universities.
The funding announcement, which was made just before Christmas, stated that the money would be used to help "embed the five technological universities in the regions they serve".
The two largest funding allocations, of €9.5m each, went to Technological University Dublin and South East Technological University.
Atlantic Technological University received €8.5m, Munster Technological University was given €7.5m, and TUS was awarded €7m.
The Technological Sector Advancement Fund replaces the previous Technological Sector Transformation Fund which focused on the establishment of technological universities.
“We know the weight of expectation is on the shoulders of each technological university to deliver for the areas and the people they serve," said Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris.
"This funding will provide certainty between now and 2026 and will ensure we move from the establishment phase to a new era of delivery."
The Government said the allocations to technological universities under the fund "will contribute towards the costs of maintaining and mainstreaming existing activities".
It added that the grants could also be used to "initiate new activities" in categories including: student support and success; people and culture; data and systems; change management and integration; engagement and system coherence; and reform or consolidation.
Dr Alan Wall, CEO of the Higher Education Authority, which manages the Technological Sector Advancement Fund, said the allocations "will contribute to the implementation of institutions' new and emerging strategic plans, as well as support capacity building in line with the Technological Universities Act 2018.
"The funding will also further institutions’ impact on their regions as well as in the wider higher education landscape."