Further and Higher Education Minister James Lawless TD has welcomed the conclusion and signing of the contracts for the commencement of construction of five new buildings across multiple campuses.
These are being delivered by Public Private Partnership and are located at campuses, including SETU.
SETU Waterford campus
A new Engineering, Architecture Computing and General Teaching building is planned at SETU Waterford which will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories, general and specialised teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space.
The project is the largest in the Higher Education PPP Programme.
In conjunction with decanted space elsewhere on campus, the new building will increase capacity of SETU at Waterford by approximately 1,000 students.
Overall, the construction cost of the five buildings nationwide is approximately €380 million ex VAT and will deliver an additional capacity for approximately 3300 students.
‘Significant capital programme’
Welcoming the news, Waterford Minister Mary Butler said: “I have engaged repeatedly with Minister Lawless since he took office about the importance of commencement of this long-awaited Engineering Building. This announcement for SETU, follows Cabinet approval in December. I believe this will encourage more students into the region, upon completion. This positive announcement is very welcome, following on from the successful bids for the two new programmes in Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy courses.”
Minister Butler added: “This significant capital programme demonstrates both Minister Lawless’ and the Government’s commitment to excellence across all our higher education institutions.”
‘Step change in capacity’
Also welcoming the news, Waterford Minister of State John Cummins said: “Today is another significant day for Waterford. The expansion of SETU will see a step change in its capacity which will not only result in a growing student population but a wider opportunity for the South East region in terms of investment, jobs and innovation.”
He continued: “This project has been a top priority of mine and one which I said Government would deliver on. I’m really pleased to have worked extensively with my Government colleagues on this project which ultimately led to Cabinet approval in December. The final completion of the contracts now means that construction on this major project can commence. I know how important this PPP project is for students and staff across this region and I look forward to continuing to work with the leadership team at SETU led by Professor Veronica Campbell.”
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