DCU Welcomes Major Government Funding Support for New €50m STEM Facility

Friday, September 14th 2018: Today’s announcement by the Department of Education and Skills of a €24million investment towards a new €50million, state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) facility at DCU has been warmly welcomed by DCU President, Prof. Brian MacCraith.

Prof. MacCraith described the formal approval of the funding by Minister Bruton as “a timely and important capital investment that will deliver critically-needed additional capacity for Ireland’s fastest-growing university and will enable DCU to play a key role in addressing Ireland’s growing demand for high-quality STEM graduates. This welcome development will significantly enhance the learning experiences and opportunities for thousands of students pursuing STEM-related careers.”

Commenting on the project, he said: “The new 10,000 m² ‘Future-Tech’ facility is a €50m project that will further advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science, computing and engineering disciplines, with a capacity to accommodate over 3,000 additional STEM students on the university’s Glasnevin campus. The Government allocation of €24million is being combined with a €26milion investment supported by European Investment Bank loan finance and philanthropy.”

He added: “The support and sanctioning of a project of this magnitude by the Government demonstrates the shared commitment to STEM as a key component of Ireland’s future prosperity. We are very grateful for this endorsement of our ambitious plans to develop talent that can flourish on the global stage in a world where technological innovation plays such a pivotal role.”

Placing the provision of the new facility in context, Prof. MacCraith stated “DCU’s multi-campus footprint in North Dublin has undergone dramatic growth over recent years. A central component of our Campus Development Plan (2016-2020), the Future-Tech facility will accommodate degree programmes and research in key areas such as data science, internet of things, and sports science and technology. Upon completion, Future-Tech will also serve as a beacon for collaboration with the local, regional and national economy.”

Prof MacCraith concluded: “Having now received the green light to proceed with Future-Tech, we expect construction work to commence shortly. Located on a prime 0.75 acre site at the main entrance to DCU’s Glasnevin Campus on Collins Avenue, this signature building will take 18-24 months to build, with the first student intake earmarked for 2021.”