Minister Lawless announces significant milestone for SETU as green light given on next phase of multi-million euro higher education capital investment for Waterford
-
Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has today announced a significant milestone for the South East Technological University (SETU) in approving the progression of their proposal for Waterford to the next stage of development. The project will be progressed under the Department’s Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund.
Minister Lawless visited the former Glassworks site in Waterford today to announce that approval has been provided for SETU to progress their proposal to develop their building as part of their proposed University and Enterprise Quarter on the site.
Minister Lawless said:
“This project, as part of the creation of a University and Enterprise Quarter, will invest tens of millions of euro to revitalise this iconic site, enabling the co-location of teaching, research, innovation and enterprise, while establishing a new focal point for the city of Waterford.
“This approval represents a vote of confidence in SETU’s vision and capacity to deliver world-class education and research opportunities. By expanding our academic facilities and enterprise capabilities, we are investing directly in the future of our students, our communities and the broader South East economy.”
Waterford TD and Government Chief Whip Minister Mary Butler said:
“I’m delighted to see this major investment in Waterford and the wider South East region. The development of the University and Enterprise Quarter will transform the Glassworks site into a hub of education, research, and enterprise, creating opportunities that will benefit our community for generations to come. I warmly welcome Minister Lawless to Waterford for today’s announcement and thank him for his commitment to delivering this ambitious vision for the South East.”
Waterford TD and Minister of State John Cummins said:
“I have always championed the ability of the Glassworks site to be transformative for SETU. The co-location of industry, academia and research on the one campus will bring significant opportunities to Waterford and the South East region for students, jobs and the local economy.
“The progression of this One Health building is a real statement of intent by Government in the direction of travel that we want SETU to take. Today’s good news follows the approval for a design team to be appointed for the veterinary medicine building in recent weeks. Together these developments mark another significant milestone in advancing SETU’s expansion and strengthening its long-term impact on our community.”
This proposal is one of a number of proposals which are being progressed under the Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund. This programme call will enhance capacity and deliver critical infrastructure improvements, while also promoting research and innovation activities across our Technological University sector.
President of SETU, Professor Veronica Campbell, said:
“SETU warmly welcomes this announcement, which supports the advancement of our plans to grow the university’s presence in the region in line with our Strategic Plan. The establishment of new infrastructure to support academic and research activities in the areas of One Health marks an invaluable step towards realising our vision for the Glassworks site as an innovative academia-enterprise campus.”