€1.7M for CMETB for future proofing local education

Some €1,740,000 in funding has been allocated to Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) for essential works for local Further Education and Training (FET) facilities.

The money was allocated by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and confirmed by Cavan Deputy Brendan Smith (FF).

The funding will support essential works, including maintenance, health and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, ICT and equipment modernisation, as well as energy efficiency measures and specialist equipment to upskill staff in key sectors such as construction, biopharmaceuticals, and MedTech.

This investment forms part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Ireland’s FET sector, ensuring learners and staff have access to high-quality facilities and enabling ETBs to meet both local and national skills needs.

Deputy Brendan Smith said: "Cavan/Monaghan ETB plays a vital role in education in our county. This funding of over €1.7m will allow Cavan/Monaghan ETB to carry out important upgrades, improve access and safety, and invest in specialist equipment to support the skills our local economy needs. It ensures that learners, staff, and communities will continue to be empowered now and into the future."

The funding also includes support through the Green Devolved Capital Grant, helping Cavan/Monaghan ETB and other boards meet the Government’s 2030 energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets. Initiatives include advanced electricity, gas, and water metering across FET buildings, underpinning long-term sustainability and helping reduce energy-related emissions.

The funding is provided under Project Ireland 2040 and will be distributed to ETBs through SOLAS, ensuring resources are targeted where they are most needed to improve infrastructure, learning environments, and skills training.

Deputy Brendan Smith concluded by acknowledging the "excellent learning opportunities" for everyone at FET facilities in Cavan and Monaghan.

"This announcement guarantees that people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can reach their full potential," he said.

Fine Gael Senator Joe O'Reilly also welcomed the allocation.

It's part of €39M allocated to ETBs nationwide.

“This funding will give Cavan Monaghan ETB the resources to make real, impactful changes that will benefit not just their facilities but the entire community.

“Our ETBs provide a pathway of further education for all learners, and this funding will benefit students, staff and community users in Cavan,” said Sen O’Reilly.