Big boost: €1.7m in funding for Kilkenny & Carlow ETB

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny Peter 'Chap' Cleere has welcomed confirmation of €1.74m in funding for Carlow-Kilkenny ETB by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

The funding will support essential works, including maintenance, health and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, ICT and equipment modernisation, as well as energy efficiency measures and specialist equipment to upskill staff in key sectors such as construction, biopharmaceuticals, and MedTech.

This investment forms part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Ireland’s Further Education and Training (FET) sector, ensuring learners and staff have access to high-quality facilities and enabling ETBs to meet both local and national skills needs.
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"Carlow & Kilkenny ETB plays a vital role in education in our county. This funding of over €1.7m will allow the ETB to carry out important upgrades, improve access and safety, and invest in specialist equipment to support the skills our local economy needs," said Deputy Cleere.

"It ensures that learners, staff, and communities will continue to be empowered now and into the future."

The funding also includes support through the Green Devolved Capital Grant, helping the ETB and other boards meet the Government’s 2030 energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets. Initiatives include advanced electricity, gas, and water metering across FET buildings, underpinning long-term sustainability and helping reduce energy-related emissions.

The funding is provided under Project Ireland 2040 and will be distributed to ETBs through SOLAS, ensuring resources are targeted where they are most needed to improve infrastructure, learning environments, and skills training.

"I would like to sincerely thank my colleague Minister Lawless for his work on this initiative," said Deputy Cleere.

"Carlow & Kilkenny ETB provides excellent learning opportunities for everyone, and I am delighted to see this funding allocated to them. Fianna Fáil is the party of education, committed to ensuring that young people and those returning to education have access to the best possible facilities and support. This announcement guarantees that people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can reach their full potential."