Tipperary Deputy Noel Coonan has warmly welcomed €10million in funding for a Library Extension at the University of Limerick which will positively affect many Tipperary students attending the college. The information was revealed to Deputy Coonan via a parliamentary question reply.
“I asked the Minister for Education and Skills in a parliamentary question about plans to extend the library in UL in view of the fact that the size of the current library may be adversely effecting the student to seat ratio; and if she would make a statement on the matter.
“This query followed several letters I received from Tipperary constituents attending the college. They said the current library is over-capacity with the facility designed to cater for a student population much below the number of 13,000 currently registered with the college. As a result, students said this was negatively affecting the student to seat ratio.
“In return, I was informed that €10m will be made available next year for the library project. This project is designed to meet requirements for additional library space and information services at the institution. I understand the project in question is one of the three major capital projects in Irish universities which will benefit from the €20m of funding in 2015 that formed part of the recent Budget announcement.
“This will come as very welcome news to all Tipperary students attending UL. I am pleased my representations helped towards the advancement of this project,” explained Deputy Coonan.