An ambitious €400m development plan was unveiled today at National University Ireland, Galway.
The major project will feature up to 20 large infrastructural schemes across the 160-acre campus.
The university has more than 15,000 students.
The Campus Of The Future investment plan comes following a 40% increase in student numbers over the last six years and boosts the university’s role in supporting indigenous, high-value industries in Ireland.
Flagship projects will include a €21m sports centre with swimming pool, a cultural centre, a state-of-the-art engineering building, a human biology building and an expansion of the clinical sciences institute.
A law school will also be linked to jury rooms and a court room to be developed by the courts as part of a pioneering strategic collaboration.
“The plans reflect the importance of a strong university to the region as a whole and NUI Galway is central to ongoing development as our high-quality students attract and retain national and multinational investment,” said university president Dr Iognaid Ó Muircheartaigh.
“This programme is great news for Galway city.
“Dramatic changes are underway and we will be consulting and including the public on individual projects at every appropriate stage.”
Work on some of the new infrastructure projects has already begun, with plans for further development to begin on other buildings next year. The scheme will be financed by university resources and a combination of Government and private philanthropic funding.
The Campus Of The Future programme commits to enhancing the university’s physical infrastructure, while at the same time preserving and nurturing all that is excellent in the campus.
Development will harmonise the natural and built environments, preserving, and where possible adding to, existing walkways and open spaces.
The aim is to create a riverside amenity that will be of enormous benefit not only to students and staff, but also to the broader community of the city and region.
“In charting the future direction for NUI Galway, we have set out a vision in which the continual enhancement of the student experience is enshrined as a core principle,” added Dr Ó Muircheartaigh.
“Students are at the very heart of what the university is about and these planned developments are designed to further that ethos.
“Although the campus is currently home to 15,000 students, the atmosphere remains one of friendliness, inclusion and acceptance of diversity.
“With the support of students, staff, alumni and the local community, we aim to retain all that is unique and wonderful about our campus and embrace the future with confidence.”
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