Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, and Leader of the Independent Group of Ministers, Seán Canney TD has warmly welcomed the announcement that Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is to receive €1 million in performance funding as part of a €5 million investment by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

The funding, announced by Minister James Lawless T.D., recognises ATU’s outstanding contribution to addressing skills needs within Ireland’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector through a strategic partnership with the National Institute of Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT).

Minister Canney said:

“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Atlantic Technological University and the vital role it plays in equipping students with the skills to meet industry needs across the West and North-West,” said Minister Canney. “As a former lecturer at GMIT, now ATU, I am extremely pleased with this announcement. I want to warmly congratulate Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, and her entire team for their excellent work in securing this performance funding and driving innovation across the region.”

“This positive news builds on the recent announcement that ATU has been selected to deliver a new undergraduate veterinary medicine degree at its Mountbellew campus—another major milestone for the university and for rural education in the West of Ireland.”

ATU was one of just five higher education institutions to receive the €1 million award, following a competitive assessment of Impact Assessment Case Studies by an international expert panel. The funding can be used to expand or enhance initiatives aligned with the Higher Education System Performance Framework 2023–2028.