Work to develop new €24m university campus in Limerick to begin in coming weeks

A NEW €24 million campus for the Technological University of the Shannon in Limerick will be completed by the end of 2023.

An update on the TUS development in Coonagh, was announced at this week's launch of the TUS Strategic Plan 2023–2026.

The President of Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Professor Vincent Cunnane, launched the plan at the TUS Moylish Campus on March 10.

He spoke of the new build being “significant” and as a “centre of excellence for engineering”.

Professor Cunnane said: “The very significant news announced this morning here at this launch of the strategic plan is that we are going to contract Coonagh campus. It is one where we are moving our engineering activities to, and where our apprenticeship activities will be taking place - it will be a centre of excellence for engineering”.

Government 'must have plan' to ensure success of Limerick-based technological university

The first phase of the multi-million euro investment project began last year, while the aim is to get it completed by the end of this year and have students using it from January, 2024.

In his address, President Cunnane warned that the Government must have a strategy going forward in order for the educational sector to thrive.

“The powers to continue the transformation of this critical sector lies not solely in the hands of TUS, but rather in the hands of the Government and the wider civil service.

“Government must not only recognise the many significant changes that have taken place, but also ensure that possibilities become probabilities and realities,” he said.

President Cunnane concluded: “As I said this is a new entity, a new sector, a new beginning – it is TUS!”

The transition from a technological institute to a technological university took place in 2021 and the whole of the TU chain is made up of six campuses, 15,000+ students and up to 2,000 staff members across the Mid-West.

Speaking about the need for a strong and connected student union, Niall Naughton, TUS Student Union President, said: “We are excited that this strategic plan has clear synergies with the strategic plan for our student’s union.

“The need for a strong and connected student union has never been greater and we are excited to support this plan and to ensure that we are always aiming to further develop the student experience.”

'Future proofing' the facility was mentioned, as the four year inaugural plan offers the following: to provide high-quality education, deliver accurate and impactful research, operate as an integrated organisation in order to give every person equal opportunity and to build on existing partnerships in order to drive sustainability in the Mid-West region.

The planning permission for the Coonagh campus was granted back in 2017, which granted the organisation access to Phase One capital investment and provided over 130 construction job opportunities for people in the region.