TU Dublin President Deirdre Lillis Welcomes TUA Budget 2027 Submission
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President of Technological University Dublin, Dr Deirdre Lillis, has welcomed the publication of the Technological Universities Association's Budget 2027 Submission, describing it as an important statement of ambition for Ireland's Technological University sector and the communities it serves.
The Technological Universities Association (TUA) represents Ireland's Technological Universities, providing a collective voice for the sector in discussions with Government and national policymakers. As Ireland's largest Technological University, TU Dublin is proud to be part of the Association and to work alongside colleagues across the sector in advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of students, communities and employers throughout the country.
Technological Universities now play an integral role in Ireland's higher education system. Together, they educate more than 105,000 students across 29 campuses in 18 counties, with more than 80% of graduates progressing to employment within nine months. The sector secured €126 million in competitive research income in 2024, an increase of more than 50% since 2020, and supports over 6,000 businesses through the Technology Gateway network.
Technological University Dublin, along with other TUs, works hand in hand with employers to develop the skills Ireland needs, while making higher education accessible to students from every background. Our focus on practice-based learning and also on applied research helps businesses solve real-world challenges, improve productivity and bring new ideas to market. At a time when Ireland is facing skills shortages in areas such as construction, healthcare, digital technologies and AI, that role has never been more important.
The TUA's Budget 2027 submission calls for targeted investment to ensure the sector can continue meeting those challenges. Among its priorities are renewed investment in higher education through the Government's Funding the Future strategy, increasing Technological University research and innovation funding to €50 million per year and releasing resources from the National Training Fund to support skills development in construction, digital technologies, climate action, healthcare and SME innovation.
The submission also makes the case for further investment in research capacity, digital infrastructure, healthcare education, regional innovation and international collaboration. Taken together, these measures would strengthen the ability of Technological Universities to respond to national priorities while continuing to support economic growth across Ireland's regions.
Dr Deirdre Lillis said:
“This submission recognises the contribution Technological Universities, including TU Dublin, are making across Ireland and, more importantly, the potential they have to do even more. Every day at TU Dublin we see the difference higher education, applied research and strong industry partnerships make to our students, our communities and the wider economy.”
She added: “Our graduates are helping to address some of Ireland's biggest challenges, whether that's delivering the skills needed to build more homes, supporting healthcare services, advancing digital transformation or helping businesses innovate. Continued investment in the Technological University sector is an investment in Ireland's future.”
Dr Lillis said TU Dublin is proud to support the submission and the shared priorities it sets out for the sector.
“Technological Universities have established themselves as key partners in Ireland's higher education landscape. As the sector continues to grow and evolve, it is important that the policy and funding environment keeps pace with that progress, enabling Technological Universities to realise their full potential alongside and on a level playing pitch with the wider university system.”
She concluded:
“TU Dublin looks forward to continuing our work with the Technological Universities Association, its CEO Claire McGee and our fellow Technological Universities as we support national priorities through education, research and innovation. By speaking with a shared voice and working in partnership, we can better support our students, our regions and the country as a whole. We hope Minister Lawless and the Government will give these budget proposals the careful consideration they deserve. They represent practical, forward-looking investments that will strengthen Ireland's skills base, research capability and regional development, delivering benefits that will be felt well beyond the higher education sector.”
Read the Technological Universities Association's Budget 2027 Submission here.