NUI Galway and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT ) have been awarded an additional €1.7 million for investment in campus upgrades, Covid-19 measures, and distance learning infrastructure.
The funding was welcomed by local Fine Gael TD and Minister for International and Road Transport and Logistics Hildegarde Naughton, and is part of an extra €7.5 million for the sector following an allocation of €25 million in August.
NUI Galway will receive an additional €1.05 million for capital works and equipment as part of the latest allocation, bringing the total received by the university to more than €2.8 million.
GMIT has been awarded an extra €658,000, bringing its total grant funding to over €1.7 million.
Minister Naughton said that the additional funding would help to protect students and staff from Covid-19 upon their return to campuses, and would also support work to upgrade campuses and equipment.
The money will also be used to further develop the infrastructure necessary to support blended and online learning offered by the institutes.
“This has been an academic year unlike any other, and both new and returning students have faced many challenges. But I hope that this additional funding will help to create a more positive experience in 2021 and beyond,” said the Galway West TD.
The funding is expected to advance development of high-end skills in the technological sector, as well as facilitating building improvements to support access for all, health and safety works, ICT and equipment renewal, and energy-related upgrades.
The flexible grants are being provided by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Innovation and Science through the Higher Education Authority (HEA ).
“The dedication, resilience and innovation of both students and staff in the higher-education sector has been remarkable in the face of the difficulties created by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Minister Naughton.
“I hope that this funding is seen as recognition of that fact, and helps them to return safely to improved campuses for better days during their higher-education experience.”
