The expansion of Waterford Institute of Technology continues, despite the economic downturn, with progress expected in the coming months on two new building projects on the Cork Road grounds.

As part of the Institute’s ongoing campus development, planning has been sought for the construction of a new engineering and science building and the extension of the business and enterprise building on a c.1.719 hectare site. The application, lodged with Waterford City Council last week, requests outline permission for a three storey Engineering School Building and a new Business & Enterprise Building linked to the existing 1977 building. A decision is expected in October. A separate planning application has been made to the Council for enabling works, including upgrade works to the road network within the campus which will serve the proposed buildings.

Progression of the projects will see consortiums contracted to design, build, finance and operate each of the developments over a 25-year period as part of the Government’s €270 million third-level institutions public-private partnership programme. The Waterford projects will be procured for the Department of Education and Science by the National Development Finance Agency.

Demand for places at WIT increased again this year and the Institute continues to expand the number of places available in science, engineering and technology programmes. With almost 2,200 places on offer, the Institute has one of the largest intakes of first years among Irish higher education institutions.