Access Strand - SIF
In 2006 a new Strategic Innovation Fund was introduced, through which €510m will be allocated between 2006 and 2013 to higher education institutions for projects to enhance collaboration in the sector; improve teaching and learning; support institutional reform; promote access and lifelong learning; and support the development of fourth level education.
In October 2006 the Minister announced details of the allocation of over €42 million to third level institutions across the country under the first cycle of the Fund. In 2006 over €10 million was allocated for projects aimed at improving access and retention in areas with traditionally low participation rates and projects that provide innovative methods of delivering education to part-time or distance learning students.
A further call for proposals was issued in 2007 under the second cycle of the Fund, which allocated over €11million to access. In addition to the investments in access projects, the SIF investments in teaching and learning and lifelong learning will also contribute towards the promotion of greater quality and equality in Irish higher education.
SIF 1 Successful Access Projects
SIF 2 Successful Access Projects