The newly constructed Digital Media Building at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, has officially opened.

This building has delivered a state-of-the-art, four-storey facility spanning 7,208m², containing 19 state-of-the-art digital design studios, advanced computer laboratories, classrooms, seminar rooms and the main campus restaurant.

It will increase IADT's student capacity by 590 students and will allow significant expansion in high-demand programmes such as design, 3D animation and visual effects, enterprise and technology.

The project reflects a successful collaboration between the NDFA, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and IADT, in partnership with Public Private Partnership (PPP) Co. Enbarr Education, JJ Rhatigan, Sodexo and their supply chain partners.

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Construction of the Digital Media Building began in January 2023, and the building commenced service on January 20, 2025, following a 24-month construction period.

Speaking at the opening, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said: "The Digital Media Building represents not just a building, but our shared commitment to knowledge, creativity and innovation. It is an investment in current and future generations.

"This cutting-edge facility will house the Animation and Visual Design Communication labs, further strengthening IADT's offering in the fields of Art, Design and Technology.

"This new building is the second of 11 projects to be developed under the PPP Programme, which is part of a broader vision to strengthen infrastructure in Ireland’s higher education sector."

This project is being delivered under Project Ireland 2040. Photo credit: Institute of Art, Design and Technology