Third-level projects get €40m boost

OVER €40 million was yesterday designated for more than a dozen third-level projects, in the first tranche of monies allocated under the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) for higher education.

The €300m five-year fund, first signalled 18 months ago by Education Minister Mary Hanafin, aims to help the higher education system meet future demands of the economy.

The fund puts focus on rewarding institutions which restructure and collaborate with each other.