From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced approval in principle for capital investment in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.
This project being advanced by Mary Immaculate College (MIC) will be supported under Project Ireland 2040 and envisages a co-funded development of 4,955 square-metre Library and Learning Resource Centre, to include a combination of learning resource space, teaching facilities, study spaces including relaxed, open, group, computer and including areas to house specialist collections.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“Through the HEA, we will continue to collaborate with MIC to further advance their plans. Recognising that substantial work has already been carried out in preparation for the next stage of the project lifecycle, the current approval in principle permits the remaining work to be completed in the planning and design stages.
“This project has the potential to deliver on a range of strategic objectives and will significantly improve the learner facilities in the college and support an inclusive and climate friendly environment I look forward to seeing how the College finalise design plans for their developments and look forward to engaging further at the next stage of project development.
“I want to acknowledge the work of Mary Immaculate College and the HEA in getting us to this stage with this project. I also want to commend the work that they do in providing, supporting, and coordinating a comprehensive range of education that are responsive to the needs of learners and local communities. It is so vitally important that our student body reflects the diversity of the student population, particularly our future educators.”
The project announced today will now move forward to the pre-tender stage with a view to advancing the development in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes in the HEA, said:
"We welcome today’s announcement of approval in principle for a new Library/Learning Resource Centre at Mary Immaculate College. This project will enable MIC to provide state of the art flexible learning spaces to support its growing student population.
"This approval allows MIC to complete the planning and design stages of the new Library/Learning Resource Centre and the HEA will continue to work closely with MIC as it moves to the next stage of the project lifecycle."
President of MIC Professor Eugene Wall said:
“Everyone at MIC is delighted at the long-awaited announcement that the government has agreed to invest in the development of a new library building for Mary Immaculate College.
"This will enable us to build a state-of-the-art library that will meet MIC’s vital requirements as a modern, thriving education institution. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Simon Harris for his consistent support for this project. I’d also like to thank others who have backed the project from the outset.”