The development of a major new teaching and research facility at the Moylish campus of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has begun.
The new Applied Science and Information Technology (ASIT) Building will mark a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the campus and is scheduled for completion over a 26-month period.
The ASIT facility is expected to be operational as a teaching and learning space in 2028 with the project now having commencedat the campus in Limerick.
New images have been released giving an impression of what it will look like when it is complete.
This is the latest capital facilities development at TUS, following on the opening of the 6,000 metre squared Mary Ward Centre of Science, on the Athlone campus, last May as well as the 6,000 metre squared engineering building at the Coonagh Campus in Limerick in April 2024.
The ASIT development is part of the second phase of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme announced in 2017, which is delivering 11 new STEM facilities across multiple campuses in Ireland.
The other projects in this phase of the programme are at South East Technological University and the Atlantic Technological University.
This state-of-the-art building will provide 5,200 metre squared of specialist teaching and research space, including purpose-built science laboratories, computer rooms, general teaching spaces, a large lecture theatre, staff offices and smarter travel changing rooms.
Welcoming the announcement, James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said: “This significant capital programme demonstrates both my own and the Government’s commitment to excellence across all our higher education institutions. With construction now commencing on five new buildings across five campuses, this programme will substantially expand student capacity, modernise teaching spaces, and bring state-of-the-art labs, studios, and workshops to regions across the country.”
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President, Technological University of the Shannon, added: “The commencement of construction on the new Applied Science and Information Technology Building at our Moylish Campus represents another major milestone in the strategic development of TUS.
“Coming so soon after the opening of The Mary Ward Centre of Science Building on our Athlone Campus, and building on the successful delivery of our Coonagh Campus in recent years, this project expands our capacity in the areas of IT and STEM. This new facility at Moylish will provide state-of-the-art teaching, research and collaboration spaces that will empower our students, staff and partners to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“This is a very significant project for Moylish and the northside of Limerick, supporting our mission to deliver high-impact, future-focused education and research. It also reflects our deep commitment to sustainability and accessibility, while strengthening our role as a driver of innovation and investment.”
The new development will feature a screened plant area at roof level and is designed to meet high sustainability standards including the installation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels and a Sustainable Drainage System.
The project includes important upgrades to campus accessibility and active travel infrastructure.
These will include a new pedestrian crossing and walkway, 148 new bicycle parking spaces—88 of which will be housed in a secure covered shelter—with an additional 60 located under the soffit of the building itself.
Universal access will be improved through the reconfiguration of existing car parking to include eight accessible parking bays and a new set-down area.
Located adjacent to the original main campus building, the new facility will create a consolidated cluster of teaching and research activity at Moylish. This proximity allows for shared services and technical support between existing and new laboratory spaces and enables a seamless connection between undergraduate , postgraduate and research activity —reinforcing TUS’s commitment to research-informed teaching.
The Higher Education Authority, acting as the Sponsoring Agency, worked with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) as Approving Authority.
The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), part of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), was responsible for the procurement of this PPP project on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The NDFA will continue to be involved during subsequent phases of the project.