153. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he is taking to expand access to third level education places, particularly in light of increasing demand from school leavers in regions such as Galway; and whether he will outline any planned increases in capacity across universities and further education institutions. [50180/26]

There has been strong growth in demand for third level education places, including in the Galway region. This is reflected in recent enrolment figures, with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) recording the largest percentage increase in students nationally in 2024/25 (up 15.9% on the previous year), while the University of Galway also grew by 3.9% to over 20,000 students.

In response, my Department is taking a range of coordinated measures to expand capacity across both higher education and further education and training (FET). These measures combine investment in physical infrastructure, expansion of places in high-demand areas, and the development of more flexible pathways into and through tertiary education.

Expanding physical capacity

Significant investment is underway to increase campus capacity in the Galway region:

At ATU Galway, a new STEM building is under construction as part of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership programme. This facility will provide laboratories, teaching and learning space, and is expected to increase capacity by approximately 500 students when completed in 2027.

In parallel, a separate project at ATU Galway has received full planning permission under the Technological Sector Strategic Projects Programme, which is aimed at strengthening infrastructure and supporting future growth.

At the University of Galway, a new library development supported under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Programme will provide approximately 10,000m² of additional space and support capacity for over 1,300 additional students, also expected to be completed in 2027.

Strengthening further education and local access

Alongside higher education expansion, the Government is investing in FET as a key part of meeting demand and widening access:

A new FET college is proposed in Mervue, Galway, under the FET College Major Capital Programme. This will strengthen provision locally and improve progression pathways to nearby institutions such as ATU and the University of Galway.

FET provision is demand-led and continues to expand, offering a wide range of options for learners at different stages.

Developing alternative pathways to degrees

A central part of the response is the expansion of tertiary programmes, which allow students to begin their studies in an FET setting and progress to a degree:

For the 2026/27 academic year, there are 78 tertiary programmes nationwide with over 1,200 places available.

In Galway and the surrounding region, 12 such pathways are available, including 8 new programmes this year.

These include places in areas of strong regional demand, such as nursing and social care, and are delivered collaboratively by ATU and Education and Training Boards.

Importantly, these programmes operate outside the CAO system, providing an additional route into higher education.

Targeted expansion in high-demand disciplines

The Government is also prioritising growth in key skills areas, particularly healthcare:

New programmes are being developed, including a Master of Pharmacy at the University of Galway (up to 75 places annually) and a new veterinary school at ATU under the Veterinary Places Activation Programme.

The introduction of a new graduate-entry medicine programme at the University of Galway has been approved. It is planned that this programme will ultimately produce 48 additional doctors per year.

Additional places are being rolled out in allied health areas such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and podiatric medicine.

These initiatives are supported by significant investment, including €130 million from the National Training Fund to expand training capacity in priority healthcare disciplines.

Further expansion is also being progressed through a national call for proposals led by the Higher Education Authority, with a strong response from institutions and further increases in places expected.

In conclusion, these measures represent a sustained and coordinated effort to increase capacity across the tertiary education system. My Department will continue to build on this progress to ensure that growing demand particularly in regions such as Galway, is met, while also supporting balanced regional development and addressing key national skills needs.