ATU Donegal to benefit from €4.12 million investment

ATU Donegal is set to benefit from the €4.12 million being invested in ATU under the Devolved Capital Grant allocation for higher education institutions for 2026/2027.

ATU operates nine campuses across Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway and serves up to 30,000 students – around 6,000 of which attend Donegal’s two campuses in Letterkenny and Killybegs.

ATU’s allocation is part of an overall investment of €41 million announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

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Welcoming the announcement, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: “This is excellent news for the local third-level sector and a vital investment in the future of education in Donegal and the North-West region.

“The funding provides the certainty our institutions need to make essential upgrades, ensuring our campuses are sustainable, safe, and future-ready for students and staff. This funding will go towards minor capital works, refurbishment and equipment renewal."

The funding will benefit 19 higher education institutions including twelve universities, two Institutes of Technology and five smaller colleges.

“This latest allocation builds on a pattern of consistent and significant investment in the Donegal ATU campus," Minister McConalogue added. "In November, the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the Letterkenny campus was launched. The new €41 million veterinary college that will be located at Donegal ATU’s site at Knocknamona in Letterkenny will greatly enhance the future of veterinary care in the North-West.

“Last month a €10.5 million ATU Technological Enhancement Fund was announced to support enhancing cybersecurity and AI preparedness and improve retention and support services across its campuses, including Letterkenny and Killybegs.

“Work has commenced on the 5,100 square metre three-storey facility at the Letterkenny campus that will increase capacity by around 600 students. The project, which includes a library and an IT and education building, will cost around €25 million and is due for completion by the third quarter of 2027.

“Works are ongoing on the new €5.9 million apprenticeship training facility at Drumahoe. This joint initiative will see Donegal ETB and Donegal ATU share a building which will accommodate apprentices in metal fabrication and air conditioning and refrigeration."