An extra €758,000 in support funding has been granted for ATU students.
John McNulty, Fine Gael candidate for Donegal, has welcomed funding support for students in Donegal.
“I am delighted to learn that ATU is set to receive an additional €758,000 for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) to help students who might otherwise be unable to continue their studies due to financial constraints.”
The additional €10m allocation was announced by Fine Gael Higher Education Minister Patrick O’Donovan and will be managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department.
“I am pleased that this funding will be available to students from Donegal who might need support in meeting day-to-day costs associated with being in higher education.”
The additional funding was provided for in Budget 2025 as part of the cost-of-living package.
McNulty continued, “€758k is being provided to ATU and will be much welcome for local students, with the money expected to be distributed to higher education institutes by the end of November.
“The funding can help with the likes of books and class materials, rent and utility bills, food and travel costs, and other similar costs.”
Funding is administrated on a confidential, discretionary basis and assists students in a sensitive manner.
There is also funding of €1 million nationally for childcare costs for students with children. This will be very welcome for these students and will support them to continue their studies.
“Students in Donegal who are on a full or part time courses in approved colleges can apply for the funding and can do so directly through the college.
“Fine Gael is committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to pursue their education and this significant funding is further evidence of this,” concluded McNulty.
