Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor McGuinness, has said the Government must end the continued underinvestment in the South East Technological University after figures released to him by the Minister for Further and Higher Education confirmed that SETU received the lowest level of direct capital funding of any Technological University in the State in 2025.

The figures, provided in response to a Parliamentary Question submitted by Deputy McGuinness, also show that SETU has received the lowest cumulative level of direct capital funding since its establishment.

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.

“I welcome the major PPP projects currently underway at SETU, including the new pharmaceutical sciences and veterinary facilities. 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. No On that measure, SETU continues to lose out.

“The South East fought long and hard for a university. Establishing SETU was only the first step. It now needs the resources to succeed.

“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.”