Further and Higher Education
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-12
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Tony McCormack (FF), Offaly

I thank the Minister of State. Improving access to higher education in regional areas is critical, not just from an educational perspective, but also from a social and economic perspective. The Minister of State spoke about the great work that is being done by TUS and also Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, LOETB, in its third level exploits in Offaly. Too often, students in regional counties face barriers that are less pronounced in larger urban centres. Cost-of-living pressures, accommodation shortages and travel distances can make access to higher education significantly more difficult for families. It is important that students feel they can pursue further and higher education opportunities without feeling they must leave their communities permanently in order to succeed.
I welcome the important role being played by TUS and the work being done by LOETB. However, it is important to note that Offaly still has very limited direct access to third level education provision, although excellent work has been done locally through LOETB. I am passionate about improving the situation and ensuring that students and families in Offaly have greater access to opportunities. Will the Minister of State outline what additional investment is planned for our area?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-12/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-12