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 Four hundred new jobs are to be created in the construction sector in Galway after the resumption of building works on a number of previously abandoned projects at the NUI Galway.
Work at the university ground to a halt last May after Cordil Construction entered receivership, with the loss of approximately 450 jobs.
However, it was confirmed this week that 400 new positions are to be created after JJ Rhatigan & Co emerged as the successful candidate in the tender for the contract.
NUI Galway is investing over €75 million in the creation of three new world-class research buildings, including an Arts Humanities Social Sciences Research Building and two buildings dedicated to Biomedical Science Research.
The buildings will be completed on a phased basis from the end of 2012 into early 2013. Work has already begun on the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Building, located beside the existing James Hardiman Library.
According to a spokesperson for NUI Galway, the building will provide a “unique research environment to transform Galway’s rich cultural resources into social and economic opportunity”. The new facility will be a national and international resource that integrates research and training in the humanities, digital cultures, creative industries, business, social sciences, human rights, advocacy, and public policy.
Construction will also shortly re-commence on the Biosciences Research Building, located near the Corrib Village student accommodation in Dangan.
The third building, a combined Clinical/Translational Research Facility, will be located on the grounds of University Hospital Galway and will begin in early 2012.
Together, these two facilities will enable NUI Galway to build on its existing strength in the biomedical sciences area.
The university revealed that the new infrastructure requirements on campus stem from a dramatic rise in student numbers and the rapid growth of research activity, including biomedical science, which directly supports the region’s vital medical devices industry.
Speaking about the development of the research infrastructure at the university, President Jim Browne said he was delighted to see progress being made on the projects again.
“The university will play its part in revitalising the economy and bringing much-needed jobs to the construction sector. We are investing in world-class facilities for our students. At present, we are investing €750,000 per week in developing our campus so that we can offer students a learning environment that is second to none.”
Article courtesy of Galway Independent
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