Atlantic Technological University has received the highest single grant from the government’s €66 million fund to upgrade the digital infrastructure of specialist colleges.
The Dublin Road-head quartered university, with nine campuses across the region, will receive €10.5 million from the Higher Education Authority’s (HEA ) Technological Enhancement Fund.
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, welcomed the investment at its announcement on Tuesday. Funds will be allocated in January.
He said the funding should advance digital transformation, cybersecurity, academic integrity, sustainability initiatives, student progression, staff development and stronger industry engagement across ATU’s campuses.
Canney’s Galway East colleague, Albert Dolan, echoed this sentiment: “This is extremely positive news for the West,” the Fianna Fáil TD said. “ATU plays a central role in supporting students, industry, and communities across Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal.”
Minister Canney, himself a former lecturer at GMIT, now ATU, said the allocation represents a major investment in the university, and in higher education across the West and North-West regions.
“This €10.5m investment is a significant vote of confidence in ATU. It will strengthen digital systems, improve student supports, enhance research capacity and ensure the university is ready for new opportunities and challenges presented by AI, and emerging technologies. I know how important sustained investment is for staff, students and the development of our region,” he said.
“ATU is central to driving skills, research and economic growth across Galway, Mayo and the wider West,” added the Galway West TD.
The Technological Enhancement Fund is managed by the HEA. It will support projects beginning in January 2026. Projects will run over a 36-month period to December, 2028.
