President of Athlone Institute of Technology, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education and Science that he is allocating nearly €1 million for upgrading information technology and investment in science facilities at AIT. The funds can also be used for undertaking small-scale building improvements.
Professor Ó Catháin said that the €952,705 would be of “considerable assistance in enhancing the facilities on campus and in ensuring that students experienced a thoroughly modern learning environment”.
“At a time when Government resources are under considerable strain, this allocation is very welcome and underlines the importance of third level institutions in restoring national prosperity,” he said.
Monies received by AIT under previous iterations of the devolved grant have been used for refurbishing the facade at the front of the main campus, making improvements to science laboratories, and purchasing white boards and new learning technologies.
According to Minister for Edcation and Science, Batt O’Keeffe, three-quarters of the grant will be allocated over the coming weeks, with the remaining amount paid in October and November. It is expected that the upgrades will be carried out at AIT over the summer to minimise disruption for students.
