Government is "short-changing Waterford" in technological university funding says Waterford TD
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuiness has said the government must end its continued underinvestment in SETU
Since it’s establishment in 2022, South East Technological University (SETU) has received the lowest cumulative level of direct capital funding of all technological universities in the country.
These figures, provided in response to a parliamentary question submitted by Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuinness, confirmed the university received the lowest level of direct capital funding of any technological university in the state last year as well as cumulatively over the last four years.
On the announcement of the figures, Deputy McGuinness said: “These figures confirm what people across the South East have known for years. When it comes to direct capital investment, SETU continues to be left at the back of the queue. In 2025, SETU received just €3.35 million in direct capital funding - the lowest allocation of any Technological University and almost half that received by the next lowest-funded TU.”
While SETU received just €3.35 million in direct capital funding last year, Atlantic Technological University received €6.625 million, Technological University of Shannon received €9.4 million, Technological University Dublin received €8.4 and Munster Technological University received over €13.2.
“The Government must finally address this historic imbalance and ensure funding is allocated fairly. Students, staff and the wider South East deserve the same level of investment as every other region,” said Deputy McGuinness.
With just over €30.5 million in capital funded allocated to SETU since it’s establishment, it again ranks lower than all technological universities in the country, with the next lowest funded TU still sitting over €13.5 million higher.
“The South East fought long and hard for a university. Establishing SETU was only the first step. It now needs the resources to succeed," said Deputy McGuinness.
“I welcome the major PPP projects currently underway at SETU, including the new pharmaceutical sciences and veterinary facilities," he added.
"They are important developments for the university and the region. However, PPP projects cannot become an excuse for failing to provide adequate annual direct capital funding. Universities need ongoing investment to upgrade campuses, purchase equipment, improve facilities and expand capacity. On that measure, SETU continues to lose out."
