National Access Plan (2022-2028) Impact Case Studies 2023-24

Posted: 9 September, 2026

Under the Higher Education Authority Act 2022, higher education institutions (HEIs) are required to submit an annual report highlighting their progress towards meeting the objectives and actions as outlined in the National Access Plan 2022-28. As part of this statutory reporting process, HEIs were invited to submit impact case studies to showcase examples of innovation and impactful initiatives, with the aim of supporting the sharing of good practice and peer-to-peer learning.

Case studies were independently reviewed by Professor Stella Jones Devitt and Dr Antony Aleksiev of Applied Inspiration International Limited, as part of the National Access Plan Mid-Term Progress Review evaluation process. Four HEIs were selected to feature in the Impact Case Studies 2023-24 Publication (pdf).

The case studies from Trinity College Dublin, Maynooth University, Technological University Dublin, and South East Technological University showcased unique and innovative approaches towards responding to challenges facing disadvantaged students.

Trinity College Dublin’s case study ‘Widening Participation and Building Inclusive Futures’ focused on creating sustainable pathways from education to opportunities that extend beyond graduation, through Inclusive Internship Programmes for disabled students and other initiatives.

Maynooth University’s ‘Grassroots to Government: Community Needs Analysis Model of Community Engagement’ showcased a PATH 3 funded collaborative initiative, College Connect, that redefined access to higher education through innovative, peer-led approaches such as The Story Exchange (pdf), delivered with Gaisce: The President’s Award.

‘A Taste of TU Dublin’ from Technological University Dublin featured an initiative that was piloted using PATH 3 funding and then developed to further support the national objective of enhancing access to those who may have experienced social, economic, or educational disadvantage through information sessions, workshops, activities and other events

‘SETU Assistive Technology Outreach Programme’, a two-strand evidence-driven model of practice was developed by South East Technological University using PATH 3 funding. SETU “Attains” (Assistive Technology Training Assisting Independent Success) and “Enabling Successful Transitions” demonstrated innovative approaches to supporting students through building knowledge and adaption of assistance technology.

Speaking on the featured case studies Dr Louise Callinan, Head of Access Policy at the HEA commented that “While diverse in their focus from pre-entry to post-entry support, there are clear common success factors, including the prioritisation of the student voice; a holistic infrastructure of support and responsiveness to the evolving challenges facing priority group students; and meaningful partnership and collaboration within and across higher education and the wider community.”