Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
209. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are any planned large-scale investments in higher education infrastructure at Maynooth University; the predicted benefits of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34851/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works collaboratively with all higher education institutions and education and training boards on the development of capital projects in line with their established masterplans. While there is currently no major new large scale infrastructure development planned specifically for Maynooth University, significant capital investment has been provided by my Department to support the university’s development in recent years.
Under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Programme, €25m was provided to support a major new teaching and learning facility together with the refurbishment of existing academic buildings, with the project completed in December 2024.
In addition, over €9.1m was provided to Maynooth University between 2022 and 2025 under the Devolved Capital Grant, alongside almost €2.4m under the Research Equipment Grant between 2023 and 2024.
In the area of student accommodation, 116 purpose-built student accommodation beds were delivered at Buckley House, Maynooth, with State support of €4.2m. This development was officially opened in September 2025.
Following publication of the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026 – 2035, my Department has been focused on activation. The existing Technological University focused programme has been expanded to include other publicly funded universities, and Maynooth University will have the opportunity to submit a proposal under this programme.
Maynooth University has also recently expanded educational capacity in priority areas through the establishment of a new undergraduate nursing programme. The programme offered 30 places in its first year and is expected to expand to up to 100 places annually as it matures. The programme also has a strong widening-access focus, supporting participation by mature learners and graduates of further education.
