Donegal Minister of State Charlie McConalogue has welcomed the announcement of an extension to Letterkenny Institute of Technology as a major vote of confidence in education and in Donegal.
The extension, as part of National Plans for Institutes of Technology, will provide for the construction of a new 5000m sq Library and General Education Building.
LYIT Campus Extension Plans
McConalogue has said the move is an indication that the government recognises the importance of investment in education.
He said: “Investment in education is central to achieving a strong, future-proofed economy and a just society in which all citizens are enabled to fulfil their potential. Letterkenny Institute of Technology has a vital role to play in helping Donegal reach its potential in terms of job creation and this investment will be a huge help to the college.”
McConalogue outlined that the new infrastructure to be delivered under this Programme will enhance the campus environment for students and staff, and support strengthened partnerships with industry.
“The Letterkenny IT project provides for the construction of a Library and General Education Building which will accommodate a learning resource centre, IT and innovation laboratories, online learning delivery rooms and classrooms.
“The buildings will have a strong focus on supporting practice-based learning, including laboratories, workshops and studios. They will also have significant flexibility to adapt to changing teaching and learning needs, and to support hybrid and remote learning.”
The proposed works at LYIT – part of a wider list of extensions across 11 institutions – will be procured by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science as Approving Authority. Minister of State McConalogue said the Letterkenny works are expected to go to tender in early 2021.
“This is a key milestone in what is a very ambitious programme of investment in the higher education sector. The higher education sector, and within that our new Technological Universities and our Institutes of Technology, have an essential role to play in driving recovery across Ireland. I have no doubt that these works will help Letterkenny IT in preparing for the opportunities and challenges of a changing economy,” he concluded.
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