Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Government Chief Whip, Minister Mary Butler TD, today welcomed the conclusion and signing of the contracts for the commencement of construction of five new buildings across multiple campuses, which are being delivered by Public Private Partnership (PPP). The construction cost of the five buildings is approximately €380 million ex vat.
The new buildings are located in the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway and Letterkenny Campuses, South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford and Carlow Campuses and in the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Limerick Campus.
Minister Butler confirmed a: “new Engineering, Architecture Computing and General Teaching building at SETU Waterford Campus. This will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories, general and specialised teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space. The project is the largest in the Higher Education PPP Programme. In conjunction with decanted space elsewhere on campus, the new building will increase capacity of SETU at Waterford by approximately 1,000 students.”
Minister Butler continued: “I have engaged repeatedly with Minister Lawless since he took office about the importance of commencement of this long-awaited Engineering Building. This announcement for SETU, follows Cabinet approval in December; I believe will encourage more students into the region, upon completion. This positive announcement is very welcome, following on from the successful bids for the two new programmes in Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy courses.”
Minister Butler concluded, saying: “This significant capital programme demonstrates both Minister Lawless’ and the Government’s commitment to excellence across all our higher education institutions.”
