Firm behind tallest building in the West to team up with Limerick university

THE INFRASTRUCTURE firm behind the redevelopment of part of the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks has teamed up with Mary Immaculate College.

Aecom Ireland, whose global parent company, was the construction manager for the original World Trade Center in New York, and rebuilt towers one, three, four and seven to make it the largest building in the western hemisphere has been appointed by the Limerick teaching college.

Alongside Scott Tallon Walker architechts, Aecom Ireland will work on the new 5,000-square metre library and learning centre at the South Circular Road college.

The move, which was announced by Mary Immaculate College last month was welcomed ahead of the May Day bank holiday weekend by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research and Science James Lawless.

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Described as "a cutting edge, 21st century facility for teaching, learning and research," the library and learning centre will be located at the heart of the campus in Limerick.

It is hoped that construction of the library will commence in 2026 with a provisional opening date of Autumn 2027.

Mr Lawless said: "This is an important step in the development of a state-of-the-art educational hub in the heart of Limerick city, in a campus that combines architecture from past and present that makes it truly unique."

College president, Professor Dermot Nestor said: "I welcome the financial commitment towards this key strategic initiative that meets the requirements of a contemporary and dynamic higher education institution. This library and learning resource centre will not only serve as a focal point on this historic campus, but will also be an inclusive amenity for all, one that will stand for generations to come."

Ciarán McCaffrey, head of capital programmes at the Higher Education Authority added: "The appointments announced represent a significant milestone in delivering what is a landmark project for Mary Immaculate College. The development of a new library and learning resource centre will enrich the campus experience and provide high quality facilities that support the academic needs of both students and staff, enhancing teaching, learning and research."

Aecom Ireland has been involved in a number of high-profile projects on these shores, most significantly, the second terminal at Dublin Airport.

It's delivering HSE approved surgical hubs across Ireland, which are designed to cut hospital waiting lists and has announced 100 Irish jobs in recent times.

Scott Tallon Walker has been responsible for many influential and recognisable buildings in Ireland, such as Busáras in Dublin.

Elsewhere in the capital, the firm also collaborated with Populous on the Aviva Stadium.

The 9/11 attacks refer to four co-ordinated Islamist terrorist suicide attacks by al-Qaeda against the USA in 2001.

The first two of these destroyed the Twin Towers in New York City causing countless loss of life, and the rebuilding of the facility in the heart of the Big Apple.