Minister Lawless marks commencement of works on new Library and Learning Commons at University of Galway
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 27 Bealtaine 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, today turned the sod to officially mark the beginning of construction on the new Library & Learning Commons at the University of Galway.
Welcoming the start of the €80 million capital project, Minister Lawless said:
“This is a really important development for higher education in the West of Ireland. I have committed significant funding of €15 million, under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF), to support the delivery of this state-of-the-art Library & Learning Commons.
"The new building will provide over 2,200 study spaces and accommodate an additional 600 students, aligning with future enrolment projections and supporting the ambitions of Project Ireland 2040. It will greatly enhance the learning environment for current and future generations.”
The new Library & Learning Commons, covering approximately 10,000m², will offer advanced technology, facilities for collaboration, innovation and creativity, a diversity of learning spaces, high levels of comfort and accessibility, seamless access to collections, and expert learning support for students throughout their academic journey.
Speaking at the sod turning, Interim President of University of Galway Professor Peter McHugh said:
“The plan and the ambition we have for our state-of-the-art Library & Learning Commons is matched only by its setting in the heart of our unique city centre, riverside campus. The landmark development, supported by the HEA, brings to life our vision to maximise resources, technology, space and opportunities for our students, researchers and staff to learn, grow and collaborate in a building which is set to be a new focal point for University of Galway and our entire community.”
University of Galway Librarian, Monica Crump, said:
“The new University of Galway Library & Learning Commons will provide our students with an inspirational, welcoming, high-tech space of learning and creativity, designed to meet the needs of teaching and learning in the 21st Century. It will be a space that brings diverse people and disciplines together, enabling interaction, discovery, innovation and new partnerships. It will be a vibrant place of scholarship and learning and a flagship building for the University and the city.”
Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes at the HEA, said:
"The new University of Galway Library and Learning Commons represents a significant investment in expanding access to knowledge and provides state-of-the-art spaces to support student learning, collaboration and academic growth."
This project is being delivered under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund and has an expected completion date in Q1 2027.
Minister Lawless concluded:
"Providing high-quality, accessible higher education is one of my key priorities as Minister in this department. The West of Ireland deserves world-class infrastructure that meets the needs of our learners and supports our economy. Today marks another step forward in delivering it.”
