€1.2bn higher education package unveiled
As the Government announced a €1.2 billion package, Mr Ahern said the investment was a further demonstration of the Government's commitment to ensure third-level institutions will be able to contribute fully to securing our future prosperity.
The package includes a €900 million building fund to develop faculties for engineering, IT, science, technology, tourism and arts. A further €300m allocation will drive innovation across the sector.
A total of €305m in Exchequer money will fund 18 of the projects while a €270m Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme will finance the remaining 17.
Mr Ahern said investing in third and fourth-level education was a major national infrastructural priority.
"Our higher education system has become crucial to Ireland's national development objectives," he said.
"We need to produce quality skilled graduates that can meet the high-value jobs needs of the emerging sectors of the economy.
"We especially need to develop a fourth-level system of research which will be the engine of our future growth."
Ms Hanafin said the Strategic Innovation Fund would support radical change and improve performance in third-level institutions.
"It will encourage institutions to work more closely together and to pursue internal reorganisation and quality improvements that can lead to the development of a world class higher education system in Ireland," she said.
The Taoiseach said the higher education sector faced huge challenges.
"Producing high quality skilled graduates at third level and producing cutting edge research and development at fourth level are essential for protecting and creating jobs and retaining Ireland's competitive edge in the new world economy," he said.
:
* Institution Project Carlow IT teaching and research wing.
* Carlow IT administration & support centre.
* Cork IT library phase 2.
* Dun Laoghaire Inst Art Design Technology. (DLIADT) Digital Media Teaching Building.
* DLIADT multi-purpose building.
* DLIADT consolidated workshops.
* Galway Mayo IT engineering school.
* IT Tallaght engineering building.
* IT Tallaght catering and tourism.
* IT Tallaght infrastructure works.
* IT Tallaght multi-purpose centre.
* Limerick IT library information resource.
* NUI Maynooth maths, sciences and computer centre.
* University of Limerick library phase 2.
* Waterford IT engineering and science building.
* Waterford IT architecture building.
* Waterford IT business and enterprise building.
:
* Athlone IT engineering/informatics building.
* Blanchardstown IT additional teaching accommodation.
* Cork IT Crawford College of Art and Design.
* DCU Library and Information Resource Centre.
* Dundalk IT development of the former Carroll's property.
* Dun Laoghaire IADT quadrangle building extension.
* Galway Mayo IT concourse widening (New Street phase 1).
* IT Sligo refurbishment of engineering wing.
* IT Tralee Learning and Information Resource Centre.
* Killybegs Tourism College phase 1 main building.
* Letterkenny IT research space.
* Limerick IT art and design campus.
* Mary Immaculate College campus development.
* lNUI Galway engineering school.
* St Patrick's, Drumcondra campus development.
* Trinity College Dublin social workers.
* UCC IT building.
* University of Limerick engineering skills and research building.
* Waterford IT CERT, tourism and leisure building.
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