Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless 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.

This is the second phase of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme, with buildings in the first phase located in the Technological University Dublin (TUD) Tallaght and Blanchardstown Campuses, Munster Technological University (MTU) Cork and Kerry Campuses, the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone Campus and in the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), Dún Laoghaire. The contract for phase one was signed in December 2022.

When all eleven buildings are completed, they will comprise circa 72,800m2 of additional building space at the campuses and will cater for circa 8,500 student places. In addition, the provision of these buildings will free up space in existing buildings and allow for new student places.

Speaking today, Minister Lawless said: "This significant capital programme demonstrates both my own and the Government's commitment to excellence across all our higher education institutions. It reflects our focus on achieving regional balance and delivering best-in-class facilities for the next generation of learners - and for the long-term economic impact that follows.

"With construction now commencing on five new buildings across five campuses, this €380 million programme will significantly expand student capacity, modernise teaching spaces, and bring state-of-the-art labs, studios, and workshops to regions across the country. It is a vital investment in our economy, supporting scientific education in regional areas.

"I've seen first-hand the transformative impact of buildings delivered under phase one of this PPP programme and the quality of what has been delivered. With today's announcement, we are building on that success, delivering lasting educational infrastructure that will reinforce Ireland's knowledge economy for years to come."

The buildings will have a strong focus on supporting practice-based learning, including laboratories, workshops and studios. They will also have significant flexibility to adapt to changing teaching and learning needs, and to support hybrid and remote learning.

The buildings being delivered in the second phase are as follows:

Atlantic Technological University, Galway Campus: STEM Building

A Science Technology Engineering Mathematics building is planned for ATU Galway Campus consisting of undergraduate and postgraduate science laboratories, general teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space. In conjunction with decanted space elsewhere on campus, the new building will increase capacity of ATU at Galway by c. 500 students.

Atlantic Technological University, Letterkenny Campus: Education Building

A Library, IT and Education Building is planned for ATU Letterkenny Campus. This will consist of a library and various learning resource spaces, general and specialised teaching spaces, ICT laboratories, administration space and ancillary space. In conjunction with decanted space elsewhere on campus, the new building will increase capacity of ATU at Letterkenny by c. 600 students.

South East Technological University, Waterford Campus - Engineering, Architecture, Computing and General Teaching Building

A new Engineering, Architecture Computing and General Teaching building is planned at SETU Waterford Campus which will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories, general a...