Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
122. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department is taking to ensure that the construction of the five new higher education buildings aligns with and supports universities' carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37613/25]
View answerI recently had the pleasure of marking the start of construction of the second phase of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme. This phase includes five projects at Atlantic Technological University in Galway and Letterkenny, South East Technological University in Waterford and Carlow, and the Technological University of the Shannon in Limerick.
I also recently marked the successful completion of construction in the first phase of six buildings, delivered on time and on budget, at Technological University Dublin in Tallaght and Blanchardstown, Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, Munster Technological University in Cork and Tralee, and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dún Laoghaire.
Once complete, the programme will provide 72,800 square metres of additional space and will cater for circa 8,500 student places.
To meet our sustainability goals on the second phase, we are implementing zero carbon solutions for heating and cooling. These include heat pumps, passive design strategies, and on-site solar PV systems.
We are also pursuing BREEAM ( Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification to ensure high quality in design, construction, and operation - focusing on energy efficiency, material selection, and occupant wellbeing.
All buildings will achieve a minimum Building Energy Rating of A3, through high-performance insulation, airtight construction, smart energy controls, and efficient mechanical systems.
These measures will ensure our buildings are environmentally responsible, future-ready, and cost-effective to operate supporting a more sustainable higher education sector.
