Ambitious plans to build a flagship university business school off-campus in Cork City centre have been pulled by University College Cork.
UCC officially confirmed its decision to no longer proceed with the project in its five-year capital investment plan published today.
It had earmarked the former Brooks Haughton site on South Terrace - which it bought in 2019 for €17.5 million - as the site for a new business school to accommodate 5,000 students.
Instead, it is to proceed with planning for a new business school building on the main campus and has earmarked a €60m investment in the project.
It is understood that the city centre site is now being looked at as potential student accommodation.
Outlining UCC's five-year capital plan today, the Chair of UCC's Governing Authority, Sean O'Driscoll, confirmed the decision, citing construction costs and the need for responsible financial management and value for money.
Mr O'Driscoll also confirmed that €130m has been set aside for the Tyndall National Institute's new building at the Old Distillery site, which received planning permission in December 2023.
UCC's Governing Authority approved the capital plan today, which will see over €350m invested in campus development and digital infrastructure.
Mr O'Driscoll said it is tailored to recognise the significant rise in operating costs in recent years, with a "significant investment into Ireland's future being made through this plan".
Other projects include the refurbishment of the Kane Science Building; investment in dentistry facilities in the region including the modernisation of Cork University Dental School and Hospital; providing a further 500 student beds in addition to the 1,500 they currently manage; and a proposed €17m investment in outdoor sports facilities, including a sports park at Curraheen; and a joint UCC/HSE development of the UCC Clinical Medical School at Cork University Hospital.
The strategy also includes a commitment to invest over €30m in the university's digital infrastructure over the next five years.
The university said this will be the largest capital investment in technology in its history.
UCC had 24,000 registered students in December 2024.
