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 progress on the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025, a key Programme for Government commitment that will unlock the National Training Fund (NTF) to allow capital investment in education, training and skills infrastructure.
The Bill makes targeted amendments to the National Training Fund Act 2000 to enable expenditure on land, premises, equipment and facilities essential to the delivery of new and expanded skills programmes. Up to now, the NTF could only be used for current expenditure such as programme delivery and training supports — not for capital investment.
“This amendment delivers on a major Programme for Government commitment to unlock the National Training Fund and put it to work for Ireland’s future skills,” Minister Canney said.
“It means that the Fund can support the construction and upgrading of training facilities, apprenticeship centres, and higher education buildings — providing the infrastructure we need to train the workforce of the future.”
The Bill will ensure that the €1.485 billion National Training Fund package announced in Budget 2025 can be deployed between 2025 and 2030, including:
- €650 million in additional current funding for higher education, increasing by €150 million per annum by 2030;
- €600 million in capital investment to expand skills and education infrastructure, including facilities in healthcare, veterinary and further education, and supports for apprenticeships and research;
- €235 million for one-off current supports across the tertiary sector.
“This is a practical, forward-looking reform that will make a lasting difference for learners, employers and communities,” Minister Canney added.
“Unlocking the National Training Fund for capital projects will help meet Ireland’s future skills needs, strengthen regional education capacity and ensure that our workforce remains competitive in a changing economy.”
The National Training Fund surplus, estimated at €1.77 billion by the end of 2024, will now be available to support these investments once the Bill is enacted.
