South East Technological University (SETU) has welcomed the start of construction work on the second phase of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme, which includes two significant capital projects for SETU.
The Engineering, Computing, and General Teaching Building at the University’s Cork Road Campus in Waterford, along with the Advanced Science Building at the Kilkenny Road Campus in Carlow, are among the five projects included in this project bundle.
The new capital projects will significantly impact the educational landscape at SETU, facilitating increased access and improved facilities for students across a range of disciplines including engineering, science, health sciences, computing, arts and humanities.
The new building at the University’s Waterford campus is designed for over 3,400 students and is the largest project in the programme bundle. The proposed 12,894 sqm building, featuring laboratories, lecture rooms, and studios will support new teaching methods and foster multidisciplinary study and training.
In addition, the 6,100 sqm project in Carlow will support an increase in STEM students, with new science and health science laboratories, clinics, and a 40m indoor sprint track.
These developments are part of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme announced in 2017, which is delivering 11 new STEM facilities across multiple campuses in Ireland.
The other projects in this phase of the programme are at the Atlantic Technological University, Galway and Letterkenny campuses and at Technological University of the Shannon, Moylish Campus.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA), acting as the Sponsoring Agency, worked with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) as Approving Authority. The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), part of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), was responsible for the procurement of this PPP project on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The NDFA will continue to be involved during subsequent phases of the project.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD marked the significant milestone in the programme saying, “These significant capital projects at SETU’s campuses in Waterford and Carlow demonstrate both my own and the Government’s commitment to excellence across all our higher education institutions. It reflects our focus on achieving regional balance, delivering lasting educational infrastructure and investing in current and future generations.
“These state-of-the-art facilities will have a transformative impact on SETU and the region.”
Welcoming the Minister’s announcement, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell said the two major capital projects for SETU represent a substantial investment in the University and the future of technological higher education in Ireland.
“The Engineering, Computing, and General Teaching Building and the Advanced Science Building will be transformative for SETU and for our students from across the region and beyond,” said Prof. Campbell.
“Both projects align with local and regional planning goals, contributing to SETU’s ambition for the southeast to become a ‘UNESCO Learning region’ with a strong, innovation-driven economy,” she added.
Acknowledging the role of the HEA and the DFHERIS in the Higher Education PPP programme, Prof. Campbell said, “Their oversight has been key to advancing the PPP programme and supporting vital developments in higher education infrastructure.”
Keith Williams, Director of Capital Projects at SETU, stated, “The commencement of construction on these two buildings marks a significant milestone for the University and the delivery of its Strategic Plan.”
He continued, “These facilities are essential to accommodating the growing number of students, researchers, and staff at SETU. They underscore our commitment to creating a sustainable future for SETU and the wider southeast region. This investment not only reflects our dedication to academic excellence and an outstanding student experience, but also ensures we remain responsive to the evolving needs of 21st-century learners.”
