Irish Government Announces a €1.2 Billion Package for Tertiary Education. (December 13, 2005)

    According Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern future success of the higher education system is crucial to Ireland's national development objectives.

Ireland has a population of just over 4 million and the Ahern government announced a €1.2 billion (A$1.9 billion) package. The package includes a €900 million building fund to develop faculties for engineering, IT, science, technology, tourism and arts. A further €300m allocation will drive innovation across the sector. A total of €305m in Exchequer money will fund 18 of the projects while a €270m Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme will finance the remaining 17.