Minister marks the commencement of works at ATU campus in Letterkenny

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD has today turned the sod to mark the commencement of construction on the new Library, IT and Education Building at Atlantic Technological University’s (ATU) Letterkenny campus.

This project is one of five new buildings being delivered in phase two of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme.

The building involves the delivery of a new build of approximately 5,100m2 and it will consist of a library and various learning resource spaces, general and specialised teaching spaces, ICT laboratories, administration space and ancillary space. In conjunction with decanted space elsewhere on campus, the new building will increase capacity of ATU at Letterkenny by circa 600 students.

Speaking today from the Letterkenny ATU site, Minister Lawless said: “Today marks a major milestone in our commitment to strengthening Ireland’s higher education infrastructure. The new Library, IT and Education Building at ATU's Letterkenny campus is not just an investment in facilities, it is an investment in people, in opportunity, and in the future of the Northwest.

"It reflects the Government’s belief in the transformative role of Technological Universities in driving regional development, supporting local talent, and powering economic growth. With space for six hundred additional students, this building will help future-proof graduate career prospects and reinforce Ireland’s knowledge economy for years to come.

"I have seen the impact of phase one of the PPP programme, world-class facilities that have elevated learning environments across the country. This project builds on that success, delivering modern, high-quality infrastructure that will empower students and staff, and ensure ATU Letterkenny continues to thrive.”

Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU said: “This project demonstrates strong government commitment to enhancing educational opportunity and supporting regional growth across the Northwest. The new Library, IT and Education Building will create a vibrant hub for teaching, learning, and research within a space designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

2This facility will help us improve our engagement with students and staff, while also deepening our connections with local industry and community partners. The start of construction marks an important step in the continued development of our Letterkenny campus in Donegal as well as ATU’s commitment to the region with further developments taking place in other campuses.”

This project is being delivered under Project Ireland 2040 which recognises that investment in education is central to achieving a strong, future-proofed economy, balanced across the regions. This project is expected to reach completion in Q3 2027.