Over €6.5 million in government funding has been allocated to the University of Galway and the Atlantic Technological University (ATU ) for initiatives to support students with disabilities and invest in necessary upgrades. €4,043,043 has been allocated across the ATU campuses, with €2,489,624 being allocated to the University of Galway.
Chief Whip, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, welcomed the investment and said it would facilitate changes that would make a huge difference to attending students.
“This funding can also be used for energy efficiency and decarbonisation upgrades, investment to support universal access, general ICT and equipment upgrades, health and safety works and minor works and equipment” Minister Naughton said.
Minister Naughton paid tribute to Higher Education Minister Simon Harris for the allocation of the funding, and said the measures would help make Galway’s campuses more accessible and inclusive.
“Even small changes can have a massive impact on a student’s experience and engagement in higher education, and these initiatives have the potential to make more possible for those who need them,” she said.
“As the college term comes to a close, it is timely that our 3rd level institutions receive this funding to enable them to prepare for the new academic year,” the Galway Minister noted.
“Nobody should be excluded from higher education or prevented from reaching the pinnacle of their academic potential for any reason. These measures are intended to break down a few more barriers so that our colleges and universities are open, accessible and inclusive,” she said
