It's been confirmed that ATU Sligo is set to purchase an additional 16 acres of land.

The substantial land bank is located close to the campus in Ballinode and is currently owned by Sligo County Council.

It's not yet known what the land will be used for, although it's anticipated that it could be a mix of an extension of the campus itself along with much needed student accommodation.

Minister of State for Further Education Marian Harkin says while she would like to see some of the land used for student accommodation there will be certain challenges to be overcome: