Maynooth University announces landmark agreement with St. Patrick’s College
The agreement will lead to the development of university and public amenities, benefiting students, staff, the local Maynooth community and wider region
Maynooth University (MU), Co Kildare is to acquire a significant part of the South Campus from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, a landmark decision that will yield considerable benefits for the Maynooth community and wider region.
Since becoming an independent university in 1997, MU has rented part of the South Campus from St Patrick’s College and today relies on it heavily for classrooms, lecture halls, and staff offices. This acquisition of 28 acres and 24,000 square metres of built space will end this rental arrangement and provides capacity that cannot be replicated on the existing North Campus.
While further details will be announced upon completion of the transaction, the decision to acquire is underpinned by a rigorous independent evaluation process, with both Maynooth University's Governing Authority and the Trustees of St Patrick's College formally approving the transaction.
This acquisition represents a significant strategic investment by MU and is a transformational next step in the development of the university and its support of the broader community.
As well as the redevelopment of existing learning, student and staff spaces, it creates the conditions for MU to invest in community-focused facilities, including a campus swimming pool, performance space and other shared amenities that will play an important role in local life.
For St Patrick's College Maynooth, the transaction enables it to advance plans for the future development of its campus, educational programmes, and student experience, while supporting the long-term stewardship of the historic Maynooth campus.
It also creates opportunities, such as the delivery of much-needed student accommodation and other initiatives that can contribute to the sustainable growth of the campus, town and wider area.
Commenting on the announcement, Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University, said: “This marks a significant new chapter in the development of Maynooth University and one that I am delighted to see become a reality. As one of Ireland's fastest-growing universities, this decision gives us the foundation to plan effectively and invest meaningfully, enabling us to realise our long-term vision for the campus.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD said: “This is a landmark moment for Maynooth University, for the town of Maynooth and for County Kildare. As one of Ireland’s fastest-growing universities, Maynooth University plays a vital role in education, research and innovation, while also making an enormous contribution to economic and social development across the region.
“The South Campus is a special part of Maynooth, with a rich history and a unique place in the life of the town. This investment opens up real opportunities to enhance the student experience, develop new community amenities and support the University’s ambitions for the future, while protecting and building on the character of this historic campus.”