The Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, today announced funding of €13.9m for minor capital works, under the devolved grant scheme, for the Institute of Technology sector for 2006.
The funding will enable the institutes to manage their own minor capital works, without recourse to the department.
The scope of the capital projects could range from window replacements, roof repairs, mechanical and electrical upgrades to ensuring access for all and addressing urgent health and safety projects.
Announcing details of the 16 institutions around the country that will receive the funding, Minister Hanafin said: 'Approval of this grant is in keeping with the recommendations in the Kelly Report that the third-level sector at an institutional level should be provided with funding for minor capital works.'
The level funding of being provided to each of the institutions is based on a minimum grant plus a per capita grant based on the numbers of students in the institute.
Over 90,000 students are enrolled in courses in institutes of technology throughout the country, including 52,000 full-time students, almost 40,000 part-time students and those undertaking apprenticeships.
