Learning Commons Works Commencement

_{From left, Ger Ronayne, chief executive of JJ Rhatigan; Niamh Burke, RKD architects; Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar, University of Galway; Padraic Rhatigan, Chairman of JJ Rhatigan; Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway; Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D.; Monica Crump, University of Galway Librarian; University of Galway Students’ Union President Faye Ní Dhomhnaill; Tom Forde, Vice President/Education Officer, University of Galway Students’ Union; John Connolly Galway West T.D.; Tom King, University of Galway Buildings & Estates; Ciaran McCaffrey, Head of Capital Funding, Higher Education Authority. Credit - Andrew Downes, Xposure.}

The Works Contract for the Learning Commons has broken ground with the assistance of Minister Lawless. Local contractor, JJ Rhatigan have been appointed to deliver the University Learning Commons. The project will offer a new, high-tech space for students, for research and for staff, as well as providing access to books and information.

The building, designed by RKD Architects, will range in height from four to six storeys with study space, including quiet, individual and collaborative areas; a makerspace and scholarship centre enabling digital creativity and storage of the Library’s book and journal collections, many of which will be stored in a Bookbot or high-density, automated storage system.