Future-Tech Gets €24m Green Light

DCU has secured a €24million investment from the Department of Education and Skills towards a new €50 million science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) facility.

Prof. Brian MacCraith described the formal approval of the funding by Minister Bruton as “a timely and important capital investment that will deliver critically-needed additional capacity for Ireland’s fastest-growing university and will enable DCU to play a key role in addressing Ireland’s growing demand for high-quality STEM graduates. 

“The new 10,000 m2 ‘Future-Tech’ facility is a €50m project that will further advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science, computing and engineering disciplines, with a capacity to accommodate over 3,000 additional STEM students on the university’s Glasnevin campus. Future-Tech will also house DCU's entire School of Health & Human Performance. The Government allocation of €24million is being combined with a €26million investment supported by European Investment Bank loan finance and philanthropy.” 

Placing the provision of the new facility in context, Prof. MacCraith stated: “DCU’s multi-campus footprint in North Dublin has undergone dramatic growth over recent years. A central component of our Campus Development Plan (2016-2020), the Future-Tech facility will accommodate degree programmes and research in key areas such as data science, internet of things, and sports science and technology. Upon completion, Future-Tech will also serve as a beacon for collaboration with the local, regional and national economy.

“We expect construction work to commence shortly,” added Prof MacCraith. “Located on a prime 0.75 acre site at the main entrance to DCU’s Glasnevin Campus on Collins Avenue, this signature building will take 18-24 months to build, with the first student intake earmarked for 2021.”