Louth TD has welcomed €4.2m funding awarded to Dundalk Institute

Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the announcement of a €4,200,000 allocation for Dundalk Institute of Technology for a range of projects due to begin in 2026.

Speaking about the announcement, Deputy McGreehan said: “Just weeks after the news that DkIT will partner with Queen’s University Belfast, this is another development that will greatly benefit our local area.

“Apprenticeships will play a vital role in the future of this country in the years ahead, and having an institution fully equipped to train the next generation on our doorstep is truly fantastic.”

This funding forms part of a wider national package announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless, which will provide €65.8m for the technological sector and publicly funded specialist colleges.

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Deputy McGreehan added that this investment is about ensuring that students can learn, live and work in their own region and that higher education institutions are positioned to drive future growth, inclusion and competitiveness.

The Targeted Enhancement Fund, managed by the Higher Education Authority, will provide up to €30 million this year for projects beginning in January 2026. These projects will run for thirty six months until 31 December 2028.

The fund will support initiatives that will:

 - Advance digital transformation, cybersecurity and AI preparedness.

 - Expand professional development and leadership opportunities for staff.

 - Strengthen student retention, skills development and support services.

 - Enhance academic integrity, assessment innovation and transitions into higher education.

 - Progress regional engagement and industry collaboration; Deliver on climate action targets and sustainability initiatives.

Concluding, Deputy McGreehan said: “This investment will benefit both the region and the students.

"The funding will support state of the art, cutting edge projects that will ensure we have the workforce and specialist skills needed to shape the future of our country.

“We must continue to back apprenticeships and strengthen the support we provide because they are central to our future.”