Walls Construction has been awarded the contract to build the state-of-the-art unit, which will result in 150 new construction jobs. The sod-turning event marks the beginning of NUI Maynooth’s ten-year Campus Development Plan which will provide students with new facilities for research, learning and teaching. Once completed in 2010, the new 4,500sqm building will house three of the University’s world renowned research institutes: NCG (National Centre for Geocomputation), NIRSA (National Institute for Research and Spatial Analysis) and An Foras Feasa, the Institute for Research in Irish Historical and Cultural Traditions.

Designed by architects Scott Tallon Walker, the building - located on the University’s North Campus, alongside the John Hume Building - was planned to complement the existing buildings. “The building’s glass exterior and contemporary look will reflect the world class research activity happening within it,” a NUI Maynooth spokesperson said. Speaking at the sod-turning event, Minister O'Keeffe said, “Today’s event marks the start of the physical delivery phase of this prestigious university’s 10-year campus development plan which will provide staff and students with top-class facilities for learning, teaching and conducting research. "The new humanities and social sciences building will house three separate research institutes - the National Centre for Geocomputation; the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis; and An Foras Feasa."

The €15m building project is being funded through a €5.66m grant from the Programme for Research at Third Level Institutes (PRTLI4) with NUI Maynooth securing the remaining €9.3m through its fundraising programme. This new research facility is just one of many developments here at NUI Maynooth. The new library extension is at design phase, along with new campus student accommodation. NUI Maynooth President, Prof. John Hughes, said: “These advancements, along with other planned developments, will provide a tangible reflection of the innovative research and teaching carried out at NUI Maynooth, and will also enhance the social experience for students and staff.” NUI Maynooth’s Director of Corporate Services Frank Fitzmaurice said the new building should be fully operational by June 2010.