An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD visited IT Sligo this week and witnessed progress underway in a €35 million capital development programme on its campus.
The final stage of the five-year building programme, that is changing the face of IT Sligo, is culminating with the new €18 million three story (4,300 sq metres) science facility that is currently under construction and is due to be completed next June. The transformation of the original 1970s building on the campus, which has undergone radical expansion in the last number of years, also includes a modern 600-seat restaurant facility for staff and students.
While at IT Sligo, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny also met with staff and students and members of the Institute’s Governing Body. Amongst the students he spoke with were online students located in Australia and South Africa who are undertaking courses through IT Sligo.
Commenting on the Institute’s ambitions for designation as Technological University with its Connacht-Ulster Alliance partners, GMIT and LYIT, he said; “The standards are there, the bar is there and the challenge is there and you have my support in so far as I can assist this.”
“I would like to see the Western ITs meet the conditions. I see it is an opportunity for thousands of students at home and abroad to avail of the results that can qualify from a Technological University,” he said.
In her address, President of IT Sligo, Professor Terri Scott said; “Together with our partners in GMIT and LYIT, we are forging a working association that we are confident will provide a model for the coming together of the 3 institutes to serve their region through a critical mass of over 17,000 students and also by sharing services, skills and scholarship. We are unequivocally committed to the realisation of our ambition to achieve designation as a Technological University and we are confident that its presence will renew and revitalise this region.”
In reference to the capital development programme at the campus, she said “The combined capital investment of more than €35 million in our facilities represents a vote of confidence in the Institute’s continuing growth and its vibrant future. The science facility includes the construction of new teaching laboratories, substantial research facilities, new lecture halls, staff accommodation and a new restaurant for staff and students.
“They will add enormously to the fabric and aesthetics of IT Sligo. More importantly, however, they will enhance its reputation as a quality-led centre of learning and research which offers high calibre facilities and infrastructure that students and staff need to achieve their full potential,” she said.
Mr Ray MacSharry, Chairman of the Governing Body added; “The Taoiseach’s support and presence at the Institute, sent a powerful and positive message. We were delighted to have the opportunity to update him on progress and the exciting plans for the future.”
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD (centre) pictured with, from L-R, Paul Hannigan, President of LYIT; Michael Carmody, President of GMIT; Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo; and Ray MacSharry, Chairman of IT Sligo’s Governing Body.