€750 million investment package to transform Ireland’s research infrastructure
27 November 2025
The Government of Ireland has launched a €750m investment package for research infrastructure across Ireland's higher education sector.
The largest single commitment to research infrastructure in the history of the State has been announced by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD.
The €750 million investment that aims to deliver cutting-edge equipment to universities across Ireland will take place between 2026 and 2031 - with an initial €100m investment in 2026, aligned with national priorities such as competitiveness, productivity, digitalisation and decarbonisation.
Announcing the INSPIRE programme, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD said the investment would unlock “Ireland’s greatest natural resource, our people and their curiosity”.
“Talent is in our DNA, and this programme gives our researchers and students the tools to turn bold ideas into breakthroughs,” he said.
“From quantum computing to life sciences, from AI to advanced manufacturing, INSPIRE will ensure Ireland remains a change maker, not a change taker, in the global knowledge economy.
“This is the largest investment of its kind in the history of the State, and it marks a step-change in how we think about research infrastructure, not as a cost, but as a strategic national asset. INSPIRE is an investment in our brightest minds and our boldest ambitions, and it will shape Ireland’s future for decades to come.”
A €750 million investment package that will transform research infrastructure across Ireland’s higher education sector has been announced.
— Government of Ireland (@GovIE) (opens in a new window)November 26, 2025
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The INSPIRE programme, launched with the support of Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers TD, is funded through the €4.55 billion capital allocation secured by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science under this year’s review of the National Development Plan (NDP).
"We are investing in research infrastructure in the higher education sector in order to grow our economy, drive innovation and ultimately to enhance our domestic and international competitiveness," said Minister Chambers.
“We have a world leading research sector in our country and his investment will further support the very highest standards in research to enhance our people’s living standards, drive better outcomes and improve quality of life.”
Responding to the announcement of the INSPIRE programme, UCD President, Professor Orla Feely said, “[This] investment will enable [the higher education sector] to rebuild our research infrastructure in areas of national and institutional strategic opportunity.”
“The Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) transformed the Irish research landscape, starting in 2000. However, the last cycle of that investment ended in 2015, and the equipment that it supported is now increasingly outdated and inadequate to our current ambitions.”
The INSPIRE programme will be administered by the Higher Education Authority and Research Ireland and will be open for applications in the first quarter of 2026.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
