Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund. Annual Report 2007

Transcription

1 Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund Annual Report 2007

2 Government of Ireland 2008 PRN A8/0095 Artwork by TotalPD Front Cover National University of Ireland Galway, National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science

3 Annual Report Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund Contents Foreword Minister for Education and Science 2 Section 1 Background to the Fund 4 Section 2 Sectoral Allocations Schools IT Vocational Education Needs Craft Needs (Hotel and Tourism) Infrastructure Developments Third Level Equipment Renewal Grants Skills Needs Research and Development 10 Section 3 Finance 12 Appendices 14 1

4 Foreword 2 National University of Ireland Limerick, Engineering Research Building

5 Annual Report Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund It is my pleasure to submit to the Houses of the Oireachtas the tenth annual report of the operation of the Scientific and Technological (Education) Investment Fund. Since the establishment of the Fund over 10 years, it has played an important and constructive role in all sectors of the education system and critically within the higher education sector where the majority of resources available to the Fund have been expended to date. Accordingly, the Fund has contributed in no small way to economic development of the country and I am confident that this situation is set to continue. Specifically, with a total investment of 356m, the Fund has enabled the provision of information and communications technology infrastructure in primary and post primary schools. It has also supported the development of information and communications technology training to teachers through investment in Education Centres. Within the higher education sector, it has contributed to the development of new and improved facilities including research facilities. Full details of the beneficiaries from the Fund are contained in the Report that I am submitting to the Houses of the Oireachtas. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of so many individuals towards the realisation of projects detailed in this Report. Mary Hanafin, T.D., Minister for Education and Science 3

6 Section 1 Background 4 Waterford Institute of Technology, Tourism & Leisure Building under construction

7 Annual Report Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund Background of the Fund The Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund was set up to develop technology education at all levels ranging from primary schools to advanced research. The total provision in the Fund is 356 million. The Fund was set up by the Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund Act 1997 and the Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund (Amendment) Act There are four main objectives of the Fund: to review, extend and modernise the infrastructure of third level institutions, particularly in the technological sector; to develop new areas of activities where emerging skills needs have been identified; Sectoral Allocations: In order to achieve the objectives of the Fund the following sectoral allocations were made: Schools IT m; Vocational Education Needs - 25m; Craft Needs (Hotel and Tourism) - 25m; Infrastructure Developments - 102m; Third Level Equipment Renewal Grants - 38m; Skills Needs - 76m; Research and Development - 57m. The Fund comprises an account with the Paymaster General and an account called the Private Donations Investment Account. The day-to-day management of the resources of the Fund rests with the National Treasury Management Agency. to invest in promoting innovation to maintain and further our economic growth; to increase Research and Development activities in the higher education sector. Tallaght Institute of Technology, Apprentices 5

8 Section 2 Sectoral Allocations 6 Cork Institute of Technology, Tourism & Catering

9 Annual Report Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund 2.1 Schools IT m The main purpose of this provision is to meet the cost of putting information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in place in schools under the Schools IT 2000 Project. The infrastructure concerned includes the following: multimedia computer systems; computer peripherals such as printers, scanners, projection devices, videoconferencing equipment, modems etc; networking and electrical wiring and networking equipment; software for both educational and administrative uses. The Schools IT 2000 Project was launched in November 1997 and million was allocated from the Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund. All aspects of implementation of the Project are handled by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE). This allocation was utilised in its entirety in the period as set out hereunder with no subsequent expenditure. Priority was given to providing grant aid to all 4,100 first and second-level schools to support them in building up basic ICT infrastructure, with extra aid being given to special schools and to schools with special classes. 293,664 was spent in 2003 bringing the total expenditure in this area to 17,256,000. This investment ensured that every school has Internet connectivity and access to at least two new multimedia computer systems to support the integration of information and communications technologies (ICTs) into teaching and learning. Further grant aid was provided to all first and second-level schools to facilitate the purchase of educational software for classroom use and ICT equipment for teacher professional development. This equipment can be deployed in staff rooms or loaned to individual teachers undertaking formal professional development courses in ICTs. From 1998 to 2002 overall expenditure in this area was 7,135,000. In addition grant aid totalling 951,000 was provided to all second-level schools in 1999 to support the further development of computerised school administration systems. A total of 1,618,000 was spent, in the period , for the provision of grant aid to the remedial and resource teacher service in primary schools. A grant of 889 was made available to support the work of each of 1,820 remedial teachers and resource teachers for children with disabilities in primary schools. Funding was also assigned to assist schools in catering for the ICT needs of individual special needs pupils. The total expenditure in this area in the period amounted to 1,639,000. Grants were paid to Education Centres to put in place appropriate infrastructure for the delivery of ICT training to teachers. Between 1998 and 2001 the total expenditure in this area amounted to 344,000. This provision funded the purchase of modern computer projection equipment and a range of educational software titles by every Education Centre. In the period some 2,255,000 was spent on the support of schools selected to participate in the Schools Integration Project (SIP). SIP schools used the funding allocated to them to acquire extra equipment needed to support the piloting of various models of ICT integration in the classroom. Funding was allocated for the provision of ICT equipment to assist the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Science in providing a support service to schools on ICTs. The total expenditure in this area was 244,000 in the period The equipment concerned enhanced the role of the Inspectorate in providing advice and support to teachers on ICT issues and facilitated national evaluation of progress under Schools IT ,000 was allocated to St. Patrick s College, Maynooth in 1998 towards the 7

10 cost of equipment for a pilot project in North-South co-operation in the use of ICTs in Initial Teacher Training. 1,861 was spent in 2003 on providing ICT equipment to support the work of the Visiting Teachers Service bringing the total expenditure in this area to 235, ,000 was spent in 1999 in providing grant aid for the purchase of ICT equipment to four organisations running educational projects in the informal sector catering for the needs of children at risk. ICT in School - Progress to Date Since its commencement in 1998, almost 200m has been invested in the ICT in Schools Programme, including the 32m capital funding provided through the Science and Technology Fund, in providing computers to schools, professional development ICT courses for teachers, improving the availability of digital content, integrating ICT into the curriculum and in supporting schools to integrate ICT into their teaching and learning. The recent priorities under the Programme have been the development of schools' internal networking facilities and the provision of broadband connectivity for schools, which has pursued in partnership with the Telecommunications and Internet Federation within IBEC. Outside of the specific ICT in Schools Programme, there has been additional investment in ICT equipment in Schools such as at post-primary level the new Technology syllabus and the revised Design and Communication Graphics syllabus at Leaving Certificate level have been introduced with effect from September 2007 and some 14 million has been distributed to approximately 500 schools to allow them to upgrade their facilities to enable them to provide these subjects. Disadvantaged schools are also benefiting from the ICT Grant scheme for DEIS Schools from the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) Fund. The NCTE has undertaken nationwide school census surveys in 1998, 2000, 2002 and The surveys have shown that the average pupil/computer ratios have reduced from 37:1 to just over 9:1 at primary level and from 16:1 to 7:1 at post primary level. This results from a growth in numbers of computers in schools from some 36,000 in 1998 to almost 98,000 in The Programme for Government contains a commitment to implement a comprehensive Schools ICT Strategy, supported by a dedicated investment programme. In this regard, the National Development Programme makes provision for 252m the ICT in Schools Programme. The new Schools ICT strategy will deal with developing an e- Learning culture in schools that will ensure that ICT usage is embedded in teaching and learning across the curriculum, teacher professional development, the maintenance of a national broadband network for schools, the upgrading and renewal of hardware along with the provision of software and digital content for learning. The planned investment will also address maintenance and support requirements. 2.2 Vocational Education Needs - 25m PLCs Teleservices/Telemarketing The importance of the role of PLC courses has been recognised by the Forfás Group, particularly in the context of skill shortages in the teleservices and technician areas. Arising from the recommendations of the Forfás Interim Skills Group, additional training courses at PLC level were approved to develop multi-lingual teleservices/telemarketing skills. The allocation of 2.7m under the Fund has been used to provide specialist laboratories in 20 PLC centres for skills training in the teleservices and electronic technician areas during the period 1998 to Capital Projects Funding of 7.24m was approved in 1999 for building works at St. John s College, Sawmill Street, Cork, which is part of the College of Commerce, Cork. There has been very substantial work involved in the design process and the construction process of this building project. The works are now completed and the college is now operational Physical Sciences Courses Capital grants totalling 2.765m for the development of the physical sciences were issued to qualifying schools in 2000/2002. These grants facilitated and supplemented a range of measures introduced in order to encourage and increase participation in physics and chemistry at senior cycle level in post primary schools. The enhancement grants for equipment in schools facilitated laboratory work, and also encouraged the use of Information and Communication Technology in the teaching of Science Apprenticeship 12.7m was allocated to increase the capacity of apprenticeship workshops and related facilities in Institutes of Technology to meet the demand for an increased number of training places for apprentices in the traditional designated trades. An additional 6.3m from the 38m allocation for Equipment Renewal was assigned to the area of Apprenticeship, which brings the total allocation for Apprentices to 19m. Expenditure from the Fund in respect of the apprenticeship sector amounted to 17,629,559 by the end of 2007 and provided for the enhancement of facilities and equipment replacement for apprentices at Blanchardstown, Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway/Mayo, Limerick, Sligo and Waterford Institutes of Technology. 8

11 Annual Report Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund 2.3 Craft Needs (Hotel and Tourism) - 25m The allocation of 25m in the Fund, together with an additional 2m from Skills Needs Area and 2.6m funding from the European Regional Development Fund/European Free Trade Association programme, was being provided to support capital developments in the Institutes of Technology to meet the growing demands for employees in the Hotel, Catering and Tourism industry, due to the rapid growth in the sector in recent years. The 29.6 million investment programme has been targeted at facilities for the training of craft personnel for the hotel and tourism industry at the Institutes of Technology at Athlone, Cork, Tralee and Waterford. Details of the projects supported by this allocation are outlined in Appendix Infrastructure Developments - 102m The 102 million together with an unallocated sum of 2m was provided to the technological sector which represents the largest-ever capital investment in the sector. It was a recognition of the need for capital investment in Institutes of Technology to improve and expand campus facilities. The numbers enrolled in Institutes of Technology have grown to over 64,000 whole-time equivalent students in the academic year 2005/2006. This investment has been a significant factor in the provision of improved oncampus academic and ancillary facilities since 1999 and has contributed to Institutes of Technology having the capacity to continue their important contribution to economic growth through education, training, research and development. Details of the projects supported by this allocation are outlined in Appendix Third Level Equipment Renewal Grants - 38m A total of 38m was allocated from the Fund to support a comprehensive programme of equipment renewal and to ensure that institutions have the most appropriate equipment available to graduates and postgraduates undertaking training and research. 25m was allocated for the acquisition of new and replacement equipment in institutions in the HEA and Technological Sectors. 6.3 million is dedicated to research arising from the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions announced in November The remaining 6.3 million of this allocation is dedicated to the area of Apprentices. This is additional to the original allocation for this sector and provides additional funding for equipment replacement in various Institutes of Technology. Dundalk Institute of Technology, Apprentices 9

12 2.6 Skills Needs - 76m Continued investment in the production of a highly skilled labour force has been a major factor in Ireland's high rate of economic growth in recent years. In particular, the availability of a skilled labour force has formed a crucial part of the IDA's success in attracting significant foreign inward investment, including many leading manufacturers Allocations 25 million was allocated towards the creation of over 3,600 additional places in the Institutes of Technology sector, of which 2,100 places were aimed at improving the supply of technicians. 2m of this has been re-assigned to the Craft Needs (Hotel and Tourism) Area. Details of the projects supported by this allocation are outlined in Appendix 2. In the university sector, 43 million together with an additional 15m from Research and Development was allocated towards the creation of 3,900 additional places to meet the skills needs of high St Johns College, Sawmill Street, Cork, Canteen 10 technology industry. This investment enabled the commencement of a number of major capital projects across the sector, all of which are designed to increase the throughput of computer and electronics graduates to keep pace with industry needs. Details of the projects supported by this allocation are outlined in Appendix Education/Industry Task Force on Supply of Technicians Accelerated Technician Programme The Fund has supported the provision of facilities for programmes developed to improve the supply of technicians for high-technology industries. Since the commencement of the first course in January 1998, some 3,273 students have enrolled on courses provided on a joint basis by institutions in the third-level technological sector and industry under the Accelerated Technicians Programme. The courses involve structured work-placement and output from the courses into the workforce after about eighteen months. To date, the following courses have been provided: National Certificate in Technology (Manufacturing Technology) National Certificate in Computing (Information Technology Support) National Certificate in Technology (Mould-making Technology) National Certificate in Industrial Science National Certificate in Technology (Precision Engineering) National Certificate in Science (Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology) Since September 2000, add-on Diploma courses for students who have successfully completed the 18-month National Certificate course under the Accelerated Technicians Programme have been provided in a number of institutes. Under the National Framework of Qualifications which was launched in October 2003 the structure of awards was changed replacing National Certificates with Higher Certificates and National Diplomas with Ordinary Bachelor Degrees. The old awards were conferred for the last time for programmes terminating in 2004 with only the new awards being made from October The Investment Fund also facilitated the launch of the Institute Trainee Programme in May This initiative aims to provide places in Institutes of Technology throughout the country in the areas of construction, electronics manufacturing, pharmaceutical, chemical, healthcare, food technology, e-business and computing. It is aimed at enhancing access opportunities for non-traditional categories of learners by combining employment with formal education components. 2.7 Research and Development - 57m In an environment of rapid technological change, it is crucial for companies to continue to improve their existing products and to increase the efficiency of production in order to minimise costs and maintain competitiveness in the global market. Industry must continually seek to develop new products to meet changing patterns of demand and the increasingly high expectations of consumers familiar with technological change. Research and development in third level institutions is recognised as vital to the development of a pool of expertise capable of providing support to industry. Investment in modern state-of-the-art technology and research facilities is vital to the creation of a skilled pool of researchers who have the knowledge and capacity to co-operate with industry in developing new products and enhancing existing methods of production. The availability of research and development resources will ensure that companies based in Ireland can continue to compete successfully in the global market. In addition, by providing opportunities for

13 Annual Report Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund post-graduate research, the education system can develop the skills of individuals who can then be brought directly into employment in industry. The joint public/private Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions was launched in November The main objectives of the Programme are to promote the development of high quality research capabilities in third level institutions, so as to enhance the quality and relevance of graduate output and skills, and to enable a strategic and planned approach by third level institutions to the long-term development of their research capabilities. The allocation of 57m from the Fund is to enable the provision of substantial research facilities in Universities and Institutes of Technology arising from the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions. This, together with 6.3 million from the allocation for equipment, increased the provision for research and development in the Fund to 63.4 million. 15m has been transferred to the Skills Needs in the University Sector from this amount. 11 institutions were awarded million under Cycle 1 of the Programme in July This comprises million capital funding (sourced equally from public and private funding) and 28.6 million current funding, which includes 9.5 million to be raised directly by the third level institutions. 8 institutions were awarded almost 79 million under Cycle 2 of the Programme in July This comprises 48.8 million capital funding and 29.7 million current funding. Of the total amount being provided, 28.9m is sourced from private funding. 9 institutions were awarded million under Cycle 3 of the Programme in December This comprises 178 million capital funding and million current funding. This programme has enabled the provision of high-tech research facilities and encouraged closer collaboration among higher education institutions in the area of joint research work. Details of the projects and institutions approved for capital funding under the programme are outlined in Appendix 4. Tipperary Rural & Business Development Institute, Thurles Campus 11

14 Section 3 Finance 12 National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Institute of Immunology

15 Annual Report Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund Expenditure for the Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund in the period 1998 to end of 2007 was as follows: Schools IT 2000 A total of 31,742,613 was spent from the Fund to the end of Vocational Education Needs Post-Leaving Certificate Courses, Physical Sciences Courses and PLC Capital Project A total of 12,698,268 was spent from the Fund to the end of 2007 on the following: Capital equipment for the Teleservices/Telemarketing training courses, Capital equipment by qualifying schools that offer the physical sciences at Senior Cycle Level Skills Needs University Sector A total of 40,099,551 was spent on skills needs in the University Sector to the end of ,774,500 was spent in Skills Needs, Infrastructure Developments, Craft Needs (Hotel and Tourism) Institutes of Technology Sector In the case of the Institutes of Technology, building projects may involve expenditure from the Fund under one or more of the headings listed above and such funding may be combined with other Exchequer sources and monies from the European Regional Development Fund/European Free Trade Association. Total expenditure under the Fund to the end of 2007 was 318,295,483. The following table provides a yearly breakdown of this expenditure: TOTAL EXPENDITURE YEAR EURO ( ) ,456, ,678, ,849, ,735, ,244, ,268, ,686, ,481, ,826, ,076,320 TOTAL 318,295,483 Capital project at St John s College, Sawmill St., Cork. Apprentices A total of 17,629,559 was spent to the end of 2007 on the enhancement of facilities and equipment replacement. Research and Development A total of 48,617,086 from the Fund was spent to the end of 2007 on projects approved under Cycles 1 and 2 of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI). A total of 136,724,415 was spent from the Fund on these projects to the end of In addition to the expenditure above, a total of 5,561,784 was spent by the end of 2003 within the Technological Sector to meet resource requirements for courses under the Accelerated Technicians Programme (18 month courses). Third Level Equipment Renewal Grants A total of 25,230,460 was spent to the end of 2002 on the acquisition of new and replacement equipment in institutions in the HEA and Technological Sectors. 13

16 Appendices 14 Sligo Institute of Technology, Library

17 Appendix 1 Schools IT 2000 Schools and Centres, which received Fund support during the period all recognised Primary Schools all recognised Second-Level Schools all recognised Special Schools support service to schools by the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Science all full and part-time Education Centres the Visiting Teacher Service for Traveller Children four projects in the informal sector catering for the needs of children at risk: - The Carline Project - City Motor Sports - The Phoenix Project - Ógra Corcaigh Ltd. 158 individual special needs students in 1998, 398 in 1999 and 641 in St Patrick s College, Maynooth. 15

18 Appendix 2 Projects in the Institutes of Technology Sector supported under the Skills Needs, Infrastructure Developments and Craft Needs (Hotel and Tourism) sectoral allocations. Total capital allocation from the Fund is in brackets. Athlone Institute of Technology Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Building and New Engineering Block [ 16.6 million] A new purpose-built facility for Hotel, Catering and Tourism training commenced construction in 2002 and was completed in The Engineering/Informatics building comprising a floor area of 10,922m 2 has recently commenced construction. Blanchardstown Institute of Technology - New Institute [ 25.4 million] This Institute of Technology was established as part of a site being developed by the IDA and Fingal Council as a Business and Technology Park. The Institute opened to students in September 1999 in an advance building. Construction commenced in February 2001 and was completed in Carlow Institute of Technology - New Library/Lecture Theatres etc. [ 13.3 million] Construction of a new library, lecture theatres, canteen, and central facilities was completed and the facilities were available for the 2000/2001 academic year. Cork Institute of Technology - New Hotel, Catering and Tourism (CERT) Building [ 7.1 million] This project involved the provision of a Catering and Tourism (CERT) training building. The building was completed in Dublin Institute of Technology - Aungier St. Centre Phase II [ 11.4 million] This project involved the provision of a new Library/Information Technology Centre, lecture theatres, classrooms, staff/administration accommodation and ancillary facilities. This project went to construction in late 2000 and was completed in time for the 2002/2003 academic school year. Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology - Extension [ 4.4 million] This project provided additional accommodation in the schools of Art/Design and Multi-media, Science and Technology, and Business Studies. Construction work was completed in Dundalk Institute of Technology - New Library/Information Technology Resource Centre [ 6.3 million] A new state-of-the-art three storey Library, Information Technology Resource Centre and a single storey 281-seat lecture theatre were completed in March

19 Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology - New Library/Information Resource Centre [ 8.1 million] This project involved the construction of a Library and Information Technology Resource Centre, lecture halls and central facilities. The project went to construction in early 2001 and was completed in Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology - Castlebar Campus [ 1.3 million] The extension of the library, lecture theatre and canteen facilities, the relocation of laboratories and the provision of storage facilities was completed in Letterkenny Institute of Technology Phase 2B Extension to Institute [ 1.9 million] An extension providing additional accommodation for the Institute s Design Department, specialised computer laboratories and general purpose teaching space commenced construction in 2002 and was completed in Limerick Institute of Technology - New Lecture Theatre [ 4.4 million] This building comprises a 350-seat auditorium. The project went to construction in late 2000 and was completed in time for the 2002/2003 academic year. Institute of Technology, Sligo - New Engineering Building and West Block Phase 1 [ 2.9 million] A new library, lecture theatres, central administration and student facilities were completed at the end of June Construction of a new engineering facility comprising lecture theatres, specialist laboratories, drawing studios, computer suites and staff offices, was completed in time for the 2001/2002 academic year. Institute of Technology, Tallaght - Major Extension Science Laboratories/Staff Accommodation [ 16.3 million] The new Science extension, which provided lecture theatres, laboratories and staff offices was completed in early Institute of Technology, Tralee - New Business/Information Technology/CERT Building [ 12.4 million] This project provided a new Business Information Technology building and a new Hotel, Catering and Tourism (CERT) training facility. Other elements of the first phase included infrastructure works - site clearance, earthworks, water mains, drainage, landscaping, car parks, etc. The infrastructure works were completed in late Construction of the building project was completed in Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute Clonmel and Thurles campuses [ 3.8 million] Phase 1 of the Clonmel campus, comprising a lecture theatre, multi-media centre, classrooms, computer laboratories and office accommodation is complete. The facility opened at the commencement of the 1999/2000 academic year. The Thurles campus was also completed in time for the 1999/2000 academic year. This campus comprises lecture and tutorial facilities, a science laboratory, a knowledge resource centre and ancillary facilities. Waterford Institute of Technology - New Library/Information Technology Centre and Hotel, Catering and Tourism (CERT) training building [ 18.4 million] This award winning facility provides state-of-the-art library and information technology facilities for over 5,000 users, including facilities to connect to information and research worldwide. Construction of this facility was completed in The Hotel, Catering and Tourism (CERT) training building comprising a floor area of 7,660m 2 is currently at construction and is nearing completion. 17

20 Appendix 3 Projects in the University Sector supported under the Skills Needs sectoral allocation. Total capital allocation from Fund is in brackets. National University of Ireland, Maynooth Extension to the Callan Science Building [ 3.8 million] This extension is situated at the southern end of the Callan Science Building, which is located on the north campus of the University. Software Engineering programmes at B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels are accommodated in the building. The new facilities include hardware and software laboratories, a 120-seat lecture theatre and a postgraduate room and staffing accommodation. Construction was completed in August University of Limerick New Informatics Building [ 6.3 million] The Informatics Building is a major new building situated on the University campus. The facilities provided are mainly computer laboratories, lecture areas and research facilities. Construction was completed in February National University of Ireland, Galway New Information Technology Building [ 5.7 million] The new building is located on the main campus, provision includes classrooms, computer laboratories and specialised research facilities. It facilitates a wide range of IT related programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Construction was completed in December National University of Ireland, Galway Health and Safety Project - Engineering Building [ 8.1 million] Provision of a new Engineering School to accommodate 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students in one facility on the NUI, Galway campus. This building is in architectural planning. National University of Ireland, Cork Extension to the O Rahilly Building [ 6.3 million] This project is an extension to the O Rahilly building on the main campus of the University and accommodates the Business School, the Food Marketing Centre and the Language Centre. The new extension facilitates degree courses in Computer Science, Business Information Systems and Electronic Engineering. Construction was completed in December National University of Ireland, Cork IT Building [ 12.8m] This IT Building will provide accommodation for 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in state-ofthe-art facilities and will contain the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Microelectronic Engineering. The building is currently at construction. National University of Ireland, Dublin Computer Science Building Extension [ 5.7 million] A major extension to the existing science building was provided. The new facilities include a 150-seat computer science classroom, computer studios and staffing facilities. It opened its doors to students for the first time at the beginning of the 1999/2000 academic year. Dublin City University New Library and Information Resource Centre/Computer Applications Building Extension [ 8.9 million] These facilities provide space for 1,200 additional places for computer applications, together with a library and IT facilities to serve the overall needs of the campus. The Computer Science Extension was completed in 1999 and the Library was completed in August

21 Appendix 4 Projects approved for capital funding under Cycle 1, Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions Cycle 1 National University of Ireland, Cork Two projects The Biosciences Institute was completed in 2003 and Nanofabrication facility was completed in National University of Ireland, Dublin Two projects The Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research was completed in 2003 and the Institute for the Study of Social Change was completed in National University of Ireland, Galway The Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science was completed in National University of Ireland, Maynooth The Centre for Bioscience research in immunology, bioengineering and agroecology was completed in Trinity College, Dublin Three projects The Institute for Advanced Materials Science and the New Library were completed in 2001 and The Institute for Information Technology and Advanced Computation Research was completed in Dublin City University Three projects The National Centre for Sensor Research, the National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology and the Research Centre in Networks and Communications Engineering were completed in University of Limerick The Materials and Surface Science Institute was completed in The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland The Biopharmaceutical Sciences Research Facility was completed in Athlone Institute of Technology The Biopolymer and Molecular Activity Research facility was completed in Institute of Technology, Carlow The Biotechnology and Environmental Science Research Laboratory was completed in Dublin Institute of Technology The Optical Characterisation and Spectroscopic Facility was completed in Cycle 2 National University of Ireland, Cork The Environmental Research Institute was completed in National University of Ireland, Dublin Two projects The Urban Institute was completed in 2002 and the Dublin Molecular Medicine Centre in partnership with TCD was completed in National University of Ireland, Galway Two projects The Environmental Change Institute was completed in 2003 and the Centre for the Study of Human Settlement and Historical Change was completed in National University of Ireland, Maynooth The National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis was completed in Trinity College, Dublin The Dublin Molecular Medicine Centre in partnership with NUID was completed in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland The Biopharmaceutical Sciences Network project was completed in Cork Institute of Technology The Environmental Research Facilities were completed in Institute of Technology, Sligo The provision of equipment for Research projects in Sustainable Treatment, Recycling and Reuse of Biosolids has been finalised. Cycle 3 National University of Ireland, Cork Ten projects The Analytical & Biological Centre was completed in Phase 1 of the Nanoscale Science Project has been completed and Phase 2 is at planning stage. The 5th Floor Biosciences Institute was completed in The Biological Services Unit and The Postgraduate Research Library were completed in The Eco Electronics Building and Boole Informatics Research is currently at construction. The provision of equipment for the Environmental Research Institute, the Biosciences Research Institute and the Food & Health are currently proceeding. National University of Ireland, Galway Five projects The Innovation & Structural Change and the Centre for Study of Human Settlement were completed in The Biomedical Engineering Sciences Vector Core Facility Building was completed in The Marine Science Research Building is currently at construction. The provision of equipment for the Environmental Change is currently proceeding. 19

22 Dublin City University The National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology Building was completed in Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Two projects The Programme for Human Genomics and in partnership with Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin in the Dublin Molecular Medicine Centre. The RCSI building was completed in 2004, while the University College Dublin elements of the project at St. Vincent s Hospital and Mater Hospital were both completed in Equipment is proceeding in respect of the Trinity College Dublin element of the project at St. James Hospital. Trinity College, Dublin Six projects - The Centre for Synthesis & Chemical Biology, in partnership with University College Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, was completed in The Trinity College of Neuroscience was completed in 2004 which is in partnership with University College Dublin. The Centre for Bioengineering was completed in The Institute for International Integration Studies was completed in The provision of equipment for the Institute for Advanced Materials Science Phase 2 is completed. The provision of equipment for the Institute for Information Technology & Advanced Computation is currently proceeding. National University of Ireland, Dublin Four projects - The Centre for Synthesis & Chemical Biology, in partnership with Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, was completed in The Humanities Institute of Ireland, was completed in Provision of equipment in respect of the Trinity College of Neuroscience in which University College Dublin is a partner has been completed. The provision of equipment for the Conway Institute is currently ongoing. Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies The provision of equipment for the Computational Grid is currently proceeding. Institute of Technology, Sligo The Research Building was completed in Institute of Technology, Waterford M Zone. This project was completed in

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24 Department of Education and Science, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 Tel: