Munster Technological University Celebrates Topping Out of New STEM Facility in Kerry

Tralee, April 16, 2024: Leading Irish building contractor JJ Rhatigan & Company and Enbarr Education Ltd, in partnership with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Munster Technological University (MTU) marked a significant milestone this week with the topping out of a new STEM facility at the North Campus in Dromtacker, Tralee.

This topping out event marked the completion of the main structural elements of this cutting-edge 9000m2 building, signalling a move closer to its anticipated opening.

Featuring a screened rooftop plant area, the three-storey MTUk STEM facility is designed to be a centre of excellence for innovation and learning, featuring advanced Agri-Tech workshops, computer labs, lecture theatres, science laboratories, and engineering classrooms. The architecture of the building is elongated with gentle cranks that define its bespoke design and different functional areas. The heavy engineering workshop occupies the western section, encased in a double-height space supported by a structural steel portal frame. The exterior is distinguished by Staffordshire blue brick at the ground level, rising higher around entrances and the main lecture theatre, with the upper floors clad in modern light grey.

The new facility is a key component of a broader initiative under the Higher Education Public Private Partnership programme, aiming to expand MTU’s educational capabilities and facilities across its Cork and Kerry campuses. Targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the building demonstrates MTU’s dedication to environmental performance and sustainability.

Commenting on the event Gemma McRann, Senior Vice President at Macquarie Capital (Enbarr Partnership) said:

‘Macquarie Capital together with TINC (Enbarr Partnerships) are proud to support the delivery of such an important project in Ireland together with our trusted consortium partners and to celebrate the significant progress that has been made across all six new higher education facilities and now with the topping out event for the sixth facility at MTU Kerry’

Ger Ronayne, Chief Executive Officer of JJ Rhatigan & Company, shared his thoughts on the progress at the topping out ceremony, saying:

“We are pleased with how this project is moving along. We’re right on track for completion by the second quarter of 2025. This latest building marks a significant milestone in the Government’s higher education public-private partnership (PPP) programme and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our project team for their dedication and hard work, which are crucial to the successful delivery of this important facility for the students of MTU Kerry.”

As originally seen here: MTU marks topping out of STEM building opening in 2025 | RadioKerry.ie | RadioKerry.ie