The funding was announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and comes under the Devolved Grant system.

A total of €40 million have been allocated nationally, benefitting seven universities, five Technological Universities, two Institutes of Technology and five other colleges across the country.

Among them, University of Galway will receive €2,554,458 while Atlantic Technological University has been allocated €4,130,600.

The grant will allow universities to make a number of important changes across their campuses, covering measures to make the college campuses more energy efficient, to undergo health and safety works, or minor upgrade and refurbishment works.

Minister Harris said: “I am really pleased to allocate a further €40 million to our college campuses across the country.

“This will allow universities invest to ensure their capital stock is fit-for-purpose and to operate sustainably.

“Adequate levels of maintenance are required across the third level sector to prevent deterioration of capital infrastructure and ensure that facilities remain up-to-date, fit for purpose and respond to climate objectives. This funding will allow third level institutes to do that.

“This Department continues to provide the resources needed to ensure our third level sector can offer the best facilities to its students and its staff. Today is another example of that.”

This funding is in addition to €40 million provided earlier this year. It is being provided now to allow universities to plan a more strategic approach to minor capital work programmes.

Some of the categories of funding to be covered by the grant will include: energy efficiency and decarbonisation related measures, health and safety works, minor upgrade and refurbishment works, universal access-related upgrades, ICT investments, equipment purchase and renewal.

Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes in the HEA added: “Today’s announcement of a Devolved Capital Grant of €40 million is very much welcomed for the higher education sector.

“This grant, which is provided through the HEA, is intended to support Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in addressing necessary infrastructural improvements while also allowing for energy efficiency and universal access upgrades as well as investments in ICT. This grant supports a range of capital priorities across the sector while at the same time improving the campus experience for students and staff”.