College unveils plan for growth

A MASTERPLAN for the development of the Mary Immaculate College in Limerick over the next six years, has been adopted by the board of trustees.

The development of facilities on an area of 10,000 square metres is envisaged. The buildings will provide student facilities, administrative space and faculty offices. It includes the refurbishment and extension of the college library building.

Fr Tony Mullins, chairman of the board of trustees, said the college has also acquired several properties adjacent to the campus.

Fr Mullins said: “I would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Mary Immaculate College Foundation in contributing to the cost of these strategically important purchases.”

During a visit to Limerick tomorrow, the plan will be presented to Taoiseach, Brian Cowen. During his visit, Mr Cowen will open two buildings including a multi-purpose gymnasium that was voted Best Leisure Building at the 2008 RIAI Irish Architecture Awards and a multi-storey teaching and research facility. This building is now the central hub for all student activity and includes the 500-seat Lime Tree Theatre.

Fr Mullins said: “While these latest additions to the campus infrastructure mark the completion of the first phase of a development plan that was approved in 2000, it is essential to the college that the targets set out in the new masterplan are met in order to keep pace with a rapidly burgeoning student population of more than 3,000.”