Minister officially opens €35 million developments at Atlantic Technological University Sligo
New four-storey, circa 4,000 square metre, extension, designed to accommodate advanced research, science, and IT facilities. North Campus now boasts a new 112-seat theatre and performance space
L-R: Joanne Harmon (ATU), Dr Breda McTaggart (ATU), Dr Jerry Bird (ATU), Henry McGarvey (ATU), Una Parsons, Head of College at ATU Sligo, Minister Patrick O'Donovan TD, Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, Gavin Glinch (ATU), Elizabeth McCabe (ATU), Ciaran McCaffrey (Head of Capital Funding, HEA), and Deputy Frank Feighan TD at the official opening of €35m new development at ATU. Photo: James Connolly
The developments feature a new four-storey, circa 4,000 square meter extension, designed to accommodate advanced research, science, and IT facilities, including computer laboratories and a state-of-the-art clean room.
Additionally, the North Campus now boasts a new 112-seat theatre and performance space and an arts and design building which will become a beacon of culture for the west and northwest region.
In total, over 8,600 square meters of space have been developed and refurbished to the latest energy standards, with all three projects having been successfully delivered within budget.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Patrick O'Donovan, TD, said, “Today marks a significant investment and enhancement of education facilities for Sligo and the North West to greatly improve the learning experience of students in this region.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O'Donovan TD, cuts the ribbon at the official opening of €35m new development at ATU with Una Parsons, Head of College at ATU Sligo and Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU. Photo: James Connolly
President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn said it was a milestone for the university, "These new developments funded under Project Ireland 2040, through the HEA, mark a significant milestone for Atlantic Technological University.
"The state-of-the-art facilities will greatly enhance our research, science, and IT capabilities, and offer a space for the creative arts by providing our students and staff with the resources they need to excel. We welcome Minister O'Donovan to ATU and thank him for officially opening our new facilities."
Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes in the HEA added, “Today’s opening of the newly refurbished Yeats Academy Buildings and new Academic Building is an exciting development for ATU and the wider North Western region.
“This project is being delivered under Project Ireland 2040 which recognises that investment in education is central to achieving a strong, future-proofed economy, balanced across the regions, and a just society in which all citizens are enabled to fulfil their potential.”
Accommodation within the new main campus facility comprises a mix of teaching and research spaces, including undergraduate and postgraduate science laboratories, clean rooms, PC laboratories, project rooms, classrooms, research facilities, online learning spaces, as well as staff and ancillary accommodations.
It also includes a Maker Space, funded via the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) which will support project-based learning and facilitate STEM outreach to schools. These works were carried out by contractors Tracey Brothers, with the building designed by Taylor McCarney Architects.
The two newly refurbished buildings, part of ATU’s Yeats Academy of Arts, Design and Architecture (YAADA), includes Block K, which has been transformed into a creative hub, designed to foster collaboration among art and design students.
Adjacent to this development, Block L, includes a 112-seat theatre, two "Black Box" performing arts centres, a dance studio, art and design studios, classrooms, office space, and a canteen for students and staff.
These works were carried out by contractors Boyle Construction and designed by Taylor McCarney and Vincent Hannon Architects.
These developments mark a significant milestone in the ongoing growth and modernisation of Atlantic Technological University, ensuring that it continues to provide state-of-the-art facilities for its students and staff.