Ireland’s new Tertiary Education Strategy 2026–2031 has just been published by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research,
Innovation and Science. We’re delighted to see IReL recognised as part of Ireland’s shared digital research infrastructure. Under the Strategy’s commitment to publishing a tertiary roadmap for digital infrastructure investment, the document highlights IReL’s online research library resources alongside national open research and digital service initiatives as key components supporting teaching, learning and research across the sector.
“Advancing the priorities of DFHERIS depends significantly on the tertiary sector being digitally agile, open, and interconnected across education, research, and public engagement. The department plays a pivotal role in providing strategic leadership in ICT and digital capability. Providing a consistent digital experience (for both staff and learners) using state‑of‑the‑art classroom technology is integral to providing a high quality and accessible educational experience. The current higher education digital infrastructure spans online research library resources (IReL), open access planning (NORF) alongside shared systems and infrastructure Advancing Services for Irish Education, Research and Academia (ASIERA) (formerly HEANet, EduCampus). An improved digital infrastructure is essential to manage risk arising from cyber‑attacks. Investment in the maintenance and upgrading of IT infrastructure can decrease the vulnerability of current infrastructure to cyber‑attack.” (Tertiary Education Strategy 2026–2031, page 44.)
This recognition reflects the vital role that access to high-quality scholarly information plays in enabling world-class research, innovation, evidence-informed policymaking, and student success. As Ireland continues to invest in research capacity, digital transformation, AI readiness, and international competitiveness, IReL remains committed to supporting researchers, educators and learners across the country.
We look forward to working with our members, partners and stakeholders to help deliver the vision set out in the Strategy and strengthen Ireland’s research and knowledge ecosystem for the years ahead.