New building projects at four higher education institutions are expected to create hundreds of jobs in the construction sector.
The National Development Finance Agency has begun the tendering process for the public-private partnership works in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
The projects include a library and information centre in Limerick Institute of Technology, phase two of a library development in the University of Limerick, and a library extension in Cork Institute of Technology.
A digital media teaching building, workshops and a multi-purpose hall will also be built in Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology.
The National Development Finance Agency has started the tendering process and it is expected the work will be completed by the end of 2012.
Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe says the projects will create hundreds of jobs in construction and are an investment in the country's future.
