Minister Lawless officially opens the new STEM building in Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone Campus
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 15 Bealtaine 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless has today opened the new STEM building at TUS’s Athlone Campus.
This new three-storey facility, spanning 6,000m², will increase TUS’s student capacity by approximately 1,317 students. It consists of science laboratories, IT laboratories, lecture theatres, classrooms, office and meeting room accommodation, social and collaboration spaces and administration, facilitating the expansion of STEM education across the campus.
Speaking at the event today, Minister Lawless said:
“The new STEM building represents a key phase of the TUS campus development and expands the opportunity for individuals, enterprise and communities across the midlands and beyond.
“I believe widening access to higher education is the most effective way to build a fairer, more inclusive Ireland — one where opportunity is truly equal.
“Graduates of technological universities with a practice-based education ethos are valuable for the skills and training we need for Ireland’s economy because they are work-ready, adaptable and innovative. They bring immediate impact in key areas such as engineering, digital and green technologies, hospitality and tourism, construction and the creative industries.”
Construction of the STEM facility began in January 2023, and the building commenced service in January 2025, following a 25-month construction period. This achievement reflects the government’s dedication to delivering high-quality, efficient projects that advance higher education in Ireland. Furthermore, the building supports the government's climate action targets by integrating sustainable design principles throughout its development.
Speaking at the official opening, Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said:
“This is a very special moment in the growth of our young university, and a significant juncture for the Midlands region. This building brings important new capacities that will help underpin the future economic development of this region and beyond, while further future-proofing the career prospects of our graduates.
“I am particularly pleased that with the opening of this building, we are able to recognise Mary Ward, a singularly gifted scientist whose spirit of curiosity, inquiry and purpose will be reflected in the work we conduct here.
“I would like to thank the Minister, his officials and officials from the HEA and NDFA, who, together with TUS staff and others, brought this project to fruition.”
Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes at the HEA, said:
“The opening of the new STEM Building represents a shared commitment to advancing STEM education across the Athlone campus. Its state-of-the-art spaces such as modern laboratories, lecture theatres and collaborative spaces are designed to support the evolving needs of students and staff.”
Andrew O’Flanagan, Director of the NDFA, said:
“The completion of this building, on the Athlone campus of TU Shannon, is a great addition to the network of technological universities throughout Ireland. It is the third of 11 new facilities to be delivered from the Higher Education PPP programme.
“It reflects a successful collaboration between the NDFA, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and TU Shannon, in partnership with Enbarr Education, JJ Rhatigan, Sodexo and their supply chain partners.”
This project is being delivered under Project Ireland 2040 which recognises that investment in education is central to achieving a strong, future-proofed economy, balanced across the regions.
Notes
PPPs are structured arrangements between the public and private sectors for the delivery of public infrastructure projects. These projects would otherwise be provided through traditional public sector procurement mechanisms where all construction expenditure is paid upfront by the department and ongoing costs are paid as they arise. PPP projects are designed, built, financed and maintained by the selected private partner over the 25 year service period following construction completion. In the case of a PPP, the department pays for the contracted services after construction is complete via a monthly payment over the 25 year service period. At the end of the 25 year service period, the buildings will be handed back to the respective Higher Education Institutions in a pre-defined condition.