Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:1360 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to provide extra third level facilities in north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2583/02]
Written Answers. - Third Level Facilities.
A joint biosciences and electronic engineering building is currently under construction in the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM). The 5,128mf7>2 building will accommodate researchers in biosciences specifically in the areas of immunology and bioengineering and agro-ecology (3,193 mf7>2), together with creating space for 300 students in the recently created Department of Electronic Engineering (1,935mf7>2). The Government is committed to the support of research in third level institutions and this project is part funded under cycle one of the programme for research in third level institutions, co-funded from the European Regional Development Fund and it will also receive funding under the skills round two programme under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, together with funding from private sources.
Funding under the NDP has also been allocated for infrastructure works to facilitate the development of the joint biosciences/electronic engineering building. My Department is currently considering a request for funding for a telecommunications, education and community resource centre, TECRC, in NUIM.