Tipperary General Election candidate welcomes education funding announcement

A record €4.5bn allocated for the higher education sector is a big win for students in Tipperary North, a
Fine Gael GE Candidate Councillor Bugler has said.

Councillor Bugler said, “Budget 2025 a game-changer, and Fine Gael is absolutely committed making
sure everyone pursuing education has the chance to succeed.

“We’re opening up access to grants by raising the SUSI income thresholds by 15pc, which means
thousands more students can qualify for financial support.

“Slashing the student contribution fee by €1,000 will go a long way in easing the pressure on families in
Tipperary North paying for college.

“Postgraduate students are set to benefit too, with the grant rising from €4,000 to €5,000. Scholarships
will now count for more, as the first €5,000 of any scholarship won’t be included in the means test for
grants any longer.

“And we’re making education more inclusive – €5m is being committed to a disability support package,
including a pilot programme to ensure that students, no matter their challenges, can access higher
education.

“But that’s not all-- we’re tackling the student housing crisis by dedicating €7.5m to accommodation
initiatives and continuing the 50pc travel fare discount for students through to the end of 2025.

“Apprenticeships are also getting a big boost with €336m in total funding, and we’re reducing the
registration fees by a third, from €1,000 to €667.

“To top it off, businesses in Tipperary North will benefit from a €20m Skills Package, helping local
companies upskill their workforce and compete in the global economy. This is a win-win for students
and businesses alike.

“These initiatives represent the future of Tipperary North’s education and workforce—ensuring that
students and businesses alike are equipped for success” Councillor Bugler concluded.