Construction begins on new science building at SETU Carlow
The proposed advanced science building under construction
CONSTRUCTION has officially commenced on a new advanced science building at South-East Technological University’s (SETU) Carlow campus on Kilkenny Road as part of a major €380 million national education infrastructure initiative.
The 6,100 square metre facility will feature new science and health science laboratories, clinics and a 40-metre indoor sprint track, designed to support an increase in science, technology and engineering students at the Carlow campus.
The project is part of the Higher Education PPP Programme Bundle 2, which will deliver state-of-the-art educational facilities across five third-level campuses nationwide by mid-2028. The other campuses receiving new buildings are SETU Waterford, Technological University of the Shannon in Limerick and Atlantic Technological University campuses in Letterkenny and Galway.
The initiative is being delivered through a public-private partnership between construction company BAM and investment partner Invesis, with BAM handling design and construction, while BAM FM provides long-term facilities management.
Bank of Ireland has committed €94 million as part of a lending consortium financing the project, which was procured by the National Development Finance Agency on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Minister James Lawless marked the milestone, saying the projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to achieving regional balance and delivering lasting educational infrastructure.
“These state-of-the-art facilities will have a transformative impact on SETU and the region,” minister Lawless said.
SETU president professor Veronica Campbell described the Carlow project as representing a substantial investment in the university and the future of technological higher education in Ireland.
“Both projects align with local and regional planning goals, contributing to SETU’s ambition for the south-east to become a ‘UNESCO Learning region’ with a strong, innovation-driven economy,” professor Campbell said.
Keith Williams, director of capital projects at SETU, stated that the commencement of construction marks a significant milestone for the university and underscores its commitment to creating a sustainable future for SETU and the wider south-east region.
The Higher Education PPP Programme, announced in 2017, is delivering 11 new STEM facilities across multiple campuses nationwide, with all buildings in this second bundle expected to be completed by mid-2028.
