Funding details announced for third level building projects

The Government is to invest €1.2bn in third level education in the next five years. The investment will include 35 major building and development projects.

The funds were announced by Minister for Education Mary Hanafin and An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today.

In 2006 an initial €15m will be available under the Strategic Innovation Fund.

Awards will be made following a competitive call for proposals, which the Higher Education Authority will launch in the New Year.

An international panel of experts will consider the proposals and make recommendations for funding.