Universities warn funding gap leaves sector at cliff-edge
Irish university leaders are warning that the higher education sector is at a financial 'cliff-edge' due to a significant funding gap. Despite recent budget announcements, institutions argue that rising student numbers and unfunded costs have left them under-resourced.
Why it matters
The funding crisis threatens the sustainability and quality of Ireland's higher education system, which is critical for the country's economic and social development.
Universities are to tell an Oireachtas committee that they are at capacity and teetering on a cliff-edge unless the Government addresses a funding gap in higher education.
The head of the Irish Universities Association (IUA), which represents seven universities, will be joined by representatives of Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and University College Cork, at the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education later today.
The group had sought €190m in additional core funding in Budget 2027 but €10m in additional funding was ultimately provided in last week's announcement.
IUA Director General Paul Johnston will tell TDs and Senators how third-level education is underfunded by €250m annually.
In 2022, a Government commissioned report identified a €307m funding gap at third-level.
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