O’Shea Welcomes New Transport Fund to Support Learners with Intellectual Disabilities in Cork

Cork North West Fine Gael TD Deputy John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the launch of a new €2 million Transport Fund aimed at supporting learners with intellectual disabilities to access further education and training.

The initiative, announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless and Minister of State Marian Harkin, will help remove transport barriers that can prevent people with intellectual disabilities from accessing courses in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector.

The new fund forms part of the Fund for Students with Disabilities and represents a major expansion of support for learners. Overall funding for the scheme is increasing by 35%, from €5.7 million to €7.7 million.

Deputy O’Shea said the measure will make a real difference to families and learners across Cork.

“This new Transport Fund is a very welcome and practical initiative that will help learners with intellectual disabilities access further education and training opportunities that may previously have been out of reach because of transport barriers.”

“In a large county like Cork, distance and travel costs can be a real challenge for students and their families. This funding will ensure that learners are better supported to attend courses, develop new skills and pursue greater independence.”

Deputy O’Shea said the funding will be administered through the country’s Education and Training Boards and will support learners attending courses delivered through Cork Education and Training Board, which provides further education and training services across Cork.

“Cork ETB delivers a wide range of excellent further education programmes across the county, including PLC courses and skills training. This additional funding will help ensure learners with intellectual disabilities can access these opportunities on an equal basis with others.”

Deputy O’Shea also highlighted that the transport support will now extend beyond Post Leaving Certificate courses to a wider range of further education and training programmes.

“That expansion is extremely important. It means more learners can now benefit from support regardless of the specific course they choose within the FET system.”

Concluding, Deputy O’Shea said the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to improving inclusion within the education system.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue education and training, regardless of their circumstances. This fund is about removing barriers and ensuring that learners with intellectual disabilities have the support they need to take part, succeed and reach their full potential.”