Image: Taylor Architects

BAM Building Ltd. has been signed as the main contractor for what will be one of the largest construction projects west of the Shannon and on completion will be the largest Engineering Building in the country. Designed by award-winning architects RMJM (Scotland) in partnership with Taylor Architects of Castlebar, the four-storey 14,200 square metre building will be the largest constructed in one development on the NUI Galway city campus and will be situated to the north of the Quincentennial Bridge. It will include 'green-building' initiatives, and with its exposed construction design will itself be utilised as a teaching tool for the students. High-tech renewable energy systems, environmentally friendly heat generation using carbon-neutral biomass, rainwater recycling, ground source heat pump, and low-embodied energy construction materials wherever possible will underpin the building’s green credentials and provide working examples for engineering students to study. Speaking at NUI Galway, An Taoiseach said the project will be financed through a combination of exchequer funding and resources realised by NUI Galway, including philanthropy. “The new building will bring benefits to Galway City and its surrounds by creating jobs for the next two years. Longer term it will enable NUI Galway to continue to produce excellent engineering graduates supporting the Smart Economy in areas such as innovation and renewable energy technologies,” he said. President of NUI Galway Dr James J. Browne said there has been a 25 per cent increase in the number of engineering undergraduates at the university since last year.