ICT and education hubs loom large in €150m Maynooth campus plan

The European Investment Bank has given its backing for a major €150m Campus Master Plan at Maynooth University.

The bank will provide €76m for the scheme alongside Maynooth University’s own resources.

The plan involves the construction of two new ICT and education hubs, as well as accommodation for 300 students.

These projects represent the first phase of a burgeoning Campus Master Plan that will facilitate the university’s growth to 13,000 students (from 10,500) by 2020. 

 “As Ireland’s fastest-growing university, we are developing our campus to support the rapid increase in student enrolment we expect over the next decade,” Maynooth University president Prof Philip Nolan said.

“Students have realised that not only is the quality of our teaching and research second to none, but that we also offer an exceptional student experience to build the skills that students, as well as employers, recognise as increasingly valuable. It’s essential that our campus is able to accommodate our continued plans for growth and excellence in education.”

Maynooth’s campus master plan

In recent years, the European Investment Bank has supported significant investment to improve teaching facilities, research and student services at the University of Limerick, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin.

“The European Investment Bank is committed to supporting investment in higher education in Ireland and across Europe,” said European Investment Bank vice-president Jonathan Taylor.

“Maynooth University demonstrates a clear vision to develop a truly world-class campus to cater for growing student numbers and we are pleased to support the university’s ambitious expansion plans.

“The planned campus expansion being announced will strengthen Maynooth University’s role as one of Europe’s leading third-level institutions and contribute to success in the years to come.”