ATU in line for €4 million in capital funding
COLLEGE campuses across the country are to get funding through the Devolved Capital Grant system, allowing universities to improve their campuses
Mayo TD Alan Dillon has confirmed that €4,130,600 is going to be provided to ATU campuses by year end and will make a significant difference to students’ experience in college.
The grant can cover measures to make the campuses more energy efficient, or to undergo health and safety works, or minor upgrade and refurbishment works.
Today’s announcement is part of a multi-million euro allocation from Fine Gael Minister Simon Harris who has announced €40 million in capital funding for college campuses across the country.
Said Deputy Dillon: “I am delighted that a further €4 million has been allocated to ATU to improve their campuses. I will be engaging with ATU president Orla Flynn to determine the full allocation for the ATU Mayo campus under the round of funding.
“I’ve no doubt that students and staff will reap the benefits of this funding with much improved facilities.
“It’s a priority of mine that we keep funding our third-level institutions to ensure the best student experience possible for all and that they get to study in state of the art and sustainable campuses.
“The third level sector faces significant challenges in responding to climate targets and this capital grant will assist in making energy efficiency and decarbonisation upgrades.”
Some of the categories of funding to be covered by the grant will include
• Energy efficiency and decarbonisation related measures
• Health and safety works
• Minor upgrade and refurbishment works
• Universal access-related upgrades
• ICT investments
• Equipment purchase and renewal
Added Deputy Dillon: “Fine Gael in government is committed to investing in students, higher education and to delivering world class facilities.
“This is evident from Budget 2024 which put a particular focus on assisting students with the cost of living.
“Budget 2024 put a number of measures in place to assist students and families across the country and in County Mayo, including significant increases in student grants, cuts to the student contribution fee for undergraduate students, and increased and extended renters’ tax credit.”