The proverbial cornerstone has been laid towards the construction of a landmark new STEM Building at the Atlantic Technological University’s Galway Campus.

This significant development is part of the Government’s €380 million Public Private Partnership (PPP) investment in higher education infrastructure.

The new facility will greatly enhance ATU Galway’s ability to deliver world-class science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, with capacity for an additional 500 students.

The new 5,500 square metre building will include state-of-the-art undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories, modern teaching spaces, flexible learning environments, and essential student and staff facilities — offering a transformative upgrade to the Galway campus.

The news was immediately welcomed by two of Galway’s Minister, former GMIT lecturer Seán Canney and Hildegarde Naughton.

Minister Canney described it as a proud day for ATU Galway and for the wider region.

“The signing of these contracts marks a critical milestone and clears the way for construction to begin on a state-of-the-art STEM facility that will serve generations of students to come,” he said.

“As a former lecturer at GMIT, now ATU, I have long championed investment in regional higher education. This development at the Galway campus is not just an investment in education — it is an investment in talent, innovation, and the future of the West,” he added.

Minister Naughton also welcomed the conclusion and signing of the contracts for the commencement of construction.

“Companies from around the world are investing millions in setting up and maintaining their life sciences operations in Ireland. From a deep pool of talent to consistent support from the government, the Irish life sciences sector is booming,” she said.

“Galway, in particular, has many of the world’s top companies with the likes of Medtronic, Abbott, Aerogen, and Pfizer all having plants in the city.

“Our talented workforce is key to their success and continued presence in Galway and, therefore, this announcement is particularly important,” commented Minister Naughton.