Minister Seán Canney Welcomes New €65.8m Technological Fund – Highlights Opportunity for ATU to Continue Driving Regional Innovation
Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney TD, has welcomed the Government’s latest announcement of a €65.8 million funding call under the Technological Sector and Specialist Colleges Enhancement Fund (TEF), which will formally open for applications on 5th June 2025.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is among the eligible institutions invited to apply, and Minister Canney stressed the critical role this fund can play in strengthening ATU’s mission as a regional innovation driver for the West and Northwest.
“This is a substantial investment in the future of higher education in the regions,” Minister Canney said. “ATU is uniquely positioned to benefit from this funding, which will support transformative projects aligned with its mission and strategic development goals. It’s also an opportunity to accelerate delivery on the objectives of the Programme for Government in ensuring greater equity and access to high-quality third-level education across all parts of the country.”
The €65.8 million fund, allocated over a 36-month period, will enable technological universities like ATU to enhance structural capacity, invest in academic career pathways, and support collaborative initiatives that respond to regional and national needs.
ATU, established as one of Ireland’s key regional Technological Universities, spans campuses across Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal. Minister Canney noted that “continued investment in ATU ensures that our young people, our workforce, and our industries across the West and Northwest are supported through cutting-edge research, innovation, and tailored academic pathways. As a former lecturer in GMIT (now ATU), I know the vital role it plays in life in the West and Northwest.”
The call for applications will open on 5th June, with a closing date of 21st August 2025. Projects will be approved by the end of the year and are expected to begin in January 2026.
Minister Canney concluded: “This investment reflects the Government’s sustained commitment to the Technological University sector and the need to further embed institutions like ATU as cornerstones of regional development, economic resilience, and educational opportunity.”