Minister Lawless outlines delivery progress of 11 STEM buildings across Irish Technological Universities
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 1 July 2025
- Last updated on: 2 July 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, has today provided an update to Government on the significant progress made in delivering the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme.
Having this week turned the sod on the largest of the Bundle 2 projects in SETU Waterford, the Minister outlined to cabinet colleagues details pertaining to both the successful completion of Bundle 1 and the formal commencement of construction for Bundle 2.
This second phase, comprising five major infrastructure projects across the country, represents vital investment in regional education capacity and economic growth.
Minister Lawless said:
“This Programme is a key enabler of our national ambition to expand access to higher education, particularly in regions where capacity constraints have been most acute. It reflects our commitment to delivering modern, flexible learning environments that support skills development and regional growth.
“These projects reflect a wider national ambition, to strengthen the Technological University network and ensure access to higher education is not limited by geography. They align with Project Ireland 2040’s goals of regional balance and economic resilience through investment in people, skills, and infrastructure.”
Each building is designed to prioritise practice-based learning and future flexibility, incorporating laboratories, workshops, studios, and hybrid teaching environments. The facilities will support disciplines critical to Ireland’s future. Graduates emerging from these practice-based environments are job-ready, adaptable, and equipped to make an immediate impact in a dynamic labour market.
Minister Lawless acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the participating Technological Universities, and the Invesis Consortium, as well as funding partners including the European Investment Bank, AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Rabobank.
The Minister concluded:
“This is a collective project and achievement and one that demonstrates what can be delivered when we invest strategically and work together toward a common goal. I look forward to seeing these new facilities come to life.”
Notes
Background and Progress
- the Higher Education PPP Programme was originally announced under the Building on Recovery Capital Plan 2016–2021 and reaffirmed in the National Development Plan 2021–2030
- the Programme comprises 11 new buildings across two bundles, addressing urgent infrastructure needs and projected increases in student enrolments
- Bundle 1 (6 buildings) has been completed and handed over to institutions including Technological University Dublin, Technological University of the Shannon Athlone, Munster Technological University (Cork and Kerry), and Institute of Art Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire. These projects were delivered on time and on budget, with a construction cost of approximately €250 million (ex VAT)
- Bundle 2 (5 buildings) contracts were signed on 26 June 2025, with construction commencing immediately. These projects are located at: South East Technological University (Waterford and Carlow), Atlantic Technological, University (Galway and Letterkenny) and Technological University of the Shannon (Limerick)
- the construction cost for Bundle 2 is approximately €380 million (ex VAT), with service commencement dates ranging from Q3 2027 to Q2 2028
- when complete, the Programme will deliver 72,800m² of additional space and support approximately 8,500 new student places