MU celebrates 25th anniversary with opening of landmark TSI Building
2022 marked a special year for Maynooth University with twin celebrations to mark 25th years as an independent institution and the official opening by Taoiseach Micheál Martin of our landmark infrastructural development, the Technology, Society and Innovation (TSI) Building.
This latest capital development on North Campus spanning 10,500 square metres, will help to meet the capacity needs of a rapidly growing student population, rising from 4,000 in 1997 when Maynooth was first established as an independent institution, to 15,000 this year.
The €48 million TSI Building is a landmark edifice and forms part of an overall €57 million capital development project that includes the modernisation and expansion of the Arts and Sciences buildings, also on North Campus. The capital project was made possible by €25 million from the Government’s Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund announced in 2019.
Designed to enhance the University’s excellence in research, education and skills development for future generations, this latest high tech hub will house living labs and break out rooms for interactive research; three large theatres of 500, 300 and 250-seat capacity, and research spaces for students, academics and collaboration with industry partners.
It also includes a spacious outdoor plaza alongside for gatherings, cultural activities, events and performances.
Professor Eeva Leinonen presented the Taoiseach with yew sculpture. The yew tree is one of elements in the Maynooth University mark and is a symbol of our historic roots, regeneration and wisdom.
Speaking at the event hosted in September, the Taoiseach said he was delighted to visit campus to celebrate Maynooth’s 25th anniversary and to open the new Technology, Society and Innovation Building.
Welcoming the Taoiseach and guests, Maynooth University President, Professor Eeva Leinonen, said: “A key strength of Maynooth University is exploring the interaction between technology and humans to the benefit of society, everything from drone technology to data privacy, and climate change. So, it is incredibly fitting today, as we celebrate a quarter of a century as an independent university, that we open the Technology, Society and Innovation Building, showcasing those strengths and signifying our embrace of the future.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin visits campus for 25th anniversary celebration and opening of TSI Building
“Maynooth has always played a pivotal role in Ireland’s education system, and its influence has grown nationally and globally, making a significant and distinctive impact on Irish society. This is a fantastic resource and innovation space for future generations to study, explore and contribute to Ireland’s workforce and innovation needs, as we move towards a digitally advanced and sustainability-focused society. Maynooth University offers important strengths in those areas and I look forward to the contributions of its graduates and its academics over the next 25 years and beyond.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President of Maynooth University, Prof Eeva Leinonen, unveil commemorative plaque
Dr Mary Canning, Chairperson of the Maynooth University Governing Authority spoke of the future hopes of the University, which is located in one of the country’s fastest growing regions. “As the student population of Maynooth University expands to more than 15,000 students, the impact of this landmark building will be of huge importance to the education of our students, and to academics and partners in advancing research and innovation.
“Since first established as an independent university, Maynooth has been essential in meeting the demands of a growing population across the Mid-East, Midlands and West Dublin region in particular. The increased capacity offered by the TSI Building will allow us to continue to do so well into the future.”
In line with Maynooth University’s green campus and sustainability approach, the TSI Building is heated by air source heat pumps, and includes green roofs, a solar PV array, and rainwater harvesting. Designed as a ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building’ (NZEB), the TSI Building is expected to achieve Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) “very good” certification.
Opening ceremony pictured from the gallery of TSI Building