Ó An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has today announced the expansion of Atlantic Technological University through the purchase of a 10-acre site in Galway.
The site was funded with support from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science through the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
On 1 April, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, along with IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT, will be dissolved and in their place the fourth technological university (TU) in Ireland, to be known as Atlantic Technological University will be established. The site acquired will facilitate expansion and future development of the new TU in a strategic location alongside its main Galway campus.
Speaking in Galway, Minister Harris said:
“I really want to welcome the purchase of this land to facilitate future expansion, which has long been an ambition for GMIT. The site will now enable the new Atlantic Technological University to expand and develop facilities beside its existing Galway campus, as demand for higher education continues to rise.
“Support for this acquisition demonstrates the commitment of this government to advancing the role and ambition of our new technological universities and to driving regional growth and opportunities.”
The Crowley Park site purchased by GMIT is strategically located on the eastern side of Galway city and will play a key role in the long-term capital development of the ATU Galway campus.
The site was purchased from Galwegians Rugby Club and remains in use as playing pitches. In the short term GMIT will continue its collaboration with Galwegians Rugby Club and the pitches be used both by Galwegians and GMIT.
GMIT President Dr Orla Flynn said:
“Acquiring these lands will enable a safe expansion and development of Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway City in the years ahead and facilitate projected growth in student numbers. ATU will have a strong footprint in the heart of Galway City’s eastern side, and we look forward to continued good relations with all our neighbouring community partners, including Galwegians RFC.
“For now the site will continue to be used for sports purposes. As part of the sale agreement GMIT has granted a license to Galwegians to share the sports facilities with the institute for a number of years. I want to pay tribute to all those who have worked tirelessly over the years to bring this process to a very satisfactory conclusion.”