South East Technological University received the lowest level of direct capital funding of any technological university in the State last year, according to figures released by the Minister for Further and Higher Education.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Conor McGuinness TD, said figures provided by the Minister for Further and Higher Education in response to a Parliamentary Question show SETU received €3.35 million in direct capital funding during 2025.

According to Deputy McGuinness, the figures also indicate that SETU has received the lowest cumulative level of direct capital funding since the university was established.

Deputy McGuinness said the funding allocation leaves SETU ‘at the back of the queue’ when it comes to direct capital investment.

He welcomed the major public-private partnership (PPP) projects currently underway at the university, including new pharmaceutical sciences and veterinary facilities, but argued they should not replace annual direct capital investment.

‘Universities need ongoing investment to upgrade campuses, purchase equipment, improve facilities and expand capacity. On that measure, SETU continues to lose out,’ he said.

The Waterford TD added that the Government should address what he described as a historic funding imbalance to ensure students, staff and the wider South East receive the same level of investment as other regions.