Following the minister’s announcement of the major capital investment, Dr. Mulcahy commented, “This investment announced today for Institute of Technology Carlow by Minister Bruton and Minister Mitchell O’Connor is very significant for our region and country and is underpinned by an experienced and ambitious faculty who have established strong national and international networks, and a track record of new innovative offerings across areas as diverse as Biopharma, Medtech, Environmental, Agri-Food and Health Sciences.”.
The advanced science and technology building is expected to provide facilities to accommodate the ongoing expansion of higher education opportunities, research and innovation across the science and health disciplines. It will power scientific innovation, assist in attracting and developing intellectual talent and inward investment and drive economic development in the region and state. The ultra-modern facility will be located on the Kilkenny Road adjacent to the Institute’s Dargan Centre for Research and Innovation.
This latest significant investment will complement the current roll-out of a €150 million physical master plan for Institute of Technology Carlow that has already delivered: The Dargan Centre for Research and Innovation in 2014; the Centre for Aerospace Engineering in 2015; the Haughton Building for Teaching and Learning in 2016; the commencement of a 30-acre South Sports Campus development comprising six GAA, rugby and soccer pitches alongside a full-size running track; the acquisition of an additional 42 acres for future growth in Carlow and Wexford; and the expansion of the Institute’s Learning Resource Centre. Further capital projects are in discussion and planning with key stakeholders in the southeast and mid-east.
President of Institute of Technology Carlow, Dr Patricia Mulcahy, said “At this transformational time in our history, we are working determinedly towards Technological University designation. Our vision prioritises a strategic focus on meeting the technological needs of the economy and society. Consistent with this, full-time learners pursuing STEM programmes continues to increase across a broad range of Science, Health, Engineering and Technology disciplines. We thank the Ministers for this investment in our Institute and look forward to working with the HEA, the NDFA and the Department of Education and Skills to bring the facility on-campus as soon as possible.”
Chairman of the Governing Body of Institute of Technology Carlow, Mr John Moore, said, “These are exciting and challenging times for higher education and indeed the country. We are starting to experience strong economic growth and the infrastructural and resourcing challenges that accompany such growth. The Institute of Technology Carlow has demonstrated its innovation, flexibility and resilience in meeting the challenges of the past decade, consistently being placed in the top tier of performance by the HEA under the national performance review system for higher education institutions. This investment will further support the Institute in responding rapidly and effectively to evolving economic and social imperatives. I thank Minister Bruton and Minister Mitchell O’Connor for their continued support on this and related matters that collectively accelerate the transition to a Technological University of the South East of international standing. I also take the opportunity to acknowledge the work of the members of the Governing Body, leadership team, faculty and staff in delivering another remarkable development for the Institute and its stakeholders.”
Since its founding in 1970, Institute of Technology Carlow has generated more than 50,000 graduates and currently ranks as the fourth-largest of Ireland’s 14 Institutes with 7,500 enrolments. There has been a 40% increase in total enrolments since 2011 and a 45% increase in graduates over the same time period. It consistently features highly in the CAO first preferences for Institutes of Technology, which sees an annual average of 12,000 students apply for up to 70 higher certificate and degree courses via the CAO.
-ENDS-
For reference: Alma Feeley, Institute of Technology Carlow Communications Office
M: 087 8204934
e: alma.feeley@itcarlo