The Galway Mayo Institute of Technology is to undergo a major expansion with the purchase of a 10-acre site from Galwegians Rugby Club next to its campus on the Dublin Road.
The site was purchased from Galwegians Rugby Club for €8.95m, of which €6.45m was provided by the Higher Education Authority.
The announcement was made this morning by the Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris.
The acquisition comes as GMIT prepares to amalgamate with Sligo and Letterkenny ITs as the Atlantic Technological University with effect from 1 April.
Speaking in Galway, Mr Harris said the site will enable the technological university "to expand and develop facilities".
Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, said the site would allow the Galway campus to consolidate and enhance its status as a central component of the new technological university.
"The purchase, which was funded with support from the Department of Further and Higher Education, is excellent news for the institute, ensuring that it will continue at the forefront of the new university alliance," she said.
"Additionally, from a policy perspective, it demonstrates the Government's commitment to advancing the role and ambition of our new technological universities, as well as its commitment to balanced regional development."
GMIT President, Dr Orla Flynn said the the expansion and development of Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway City will facilitate projected growth in student numbers.
"ATU will have a strong footprint in the heart of Galway City’s eastern side, and we look forward to continued goor relations with all out neighbouring community partners, including Galwegians RFC"
The Crowley Park site is located on the the eastern side of the city and currently home to Galwegians Rugby Club.
The playing pitches will continue to be used by the club and GMIT in the short term.
Minister Harris will visit the campus later today where he will be briefed on GMIT capital projects and future plans.
He will also meet students, staff and researchers in the Enterprise Ireland Medical Engineering and Technologies (MET) Gateway.
