Building work is set to start on a new €20m project at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth after the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, approved the contract.

This project will deliver over 6,000sq/m of new space designed to integrate with existing facilities giving the University a library with a total area of 10,000sq/m. It is expected to be finished in September 2012.

Announcing the move, the Tánaiste said: "This project will transform the library in NUI Maynooth (NUIM) and provide modern state-of-the-art facilities for students at the university.

-- Advertisement --

"The provision of this facility is critical to the future of the University due to the unprecedented demand for library space and services arising from increased student numbers.

"NUI Maynooth has experienced consistent growth in enrolment numbers over the past decade with current enrolments standing at 6,000 undergraduate students and 1,000 postgraduate students.

"The 2010 intake of 2,000 students is the highest ever as the University continues to see more students applying to study at NUIM.

"This contract will bring Government capital investment in NUI Maynooth to over €50 million in the past decade," said the Tánaiste.

The construction contract which has been awarded to Walls Construction Ltd accounts for €14million while a further €6million is required for furniture, fit out, equipment and enabling works.

(BMcC/GK)