Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed €80,000 in new transport funding for Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) to support learners with intellectual disabilities accessing further education and training.

The funding forms part of the new Transport Fund for Learners with Intellectual Disabilities, introduced as part of the Fund for Students with Disabilities in Further Education and Training.

GRETB will also receive €120,000 under the wider Fund for Students with Disabilities, which supports learners through a range of practical supports and services.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “Further education and training opens up real opportunities for people to build skills, gain confidence and progress into employment or further study. It’s important that those opportunities are accessible to everyone.

“For some learners with intellectual disabilities, something as practical as transport can be a real barrier. This new support will help ensure learners across Galway and Roscommon can access courses and training opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.”

The Transport Fund for Learners with Intellectual Disabilities expands support beyond Post-Leaving Certificate courses and will help learners access a broader range of further education and training programmes.

The funding forms part of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) in Further Education and Training, which has been increased this year as part of Budget 2026, rising from €5.7 million to €7.7 million nationally.

The FSD enables Education and Training Boards to provide supports and services that help learners with disabilities participate on an equal basis with their peers. These supports can include assistive technology, academic and exam supports, non-medical helpers, supports for deaf or hard-of-hearing students, and work-placement assistance.

Minister Canney said Education and Training Boards play a vital role in communities across the west.

“GRETB delivers a wide range of further education and training programmes across Galway and Roscommon. Ensuring learners with disabilities can access those opportunities is hugely important, and practical supports like transport can make a real difference.”