News
Official Opening of new Student Services Building
24/01/2012
IT Carlow was host to Mr Phil Hogan TD, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government on Monday as he officially opened the new Student Services Building. This development represents the latest phase of an on-going €35m development programme at the Institute and was funded largely by student contributions.
In his address to staff, students and guests, Mr Hogan said “This latest tranche of IT Carlow’s development programme sets a high standard in line with the Institute’s stated intention to become part of a designated Technological University.”
The new building is being hailed as an example of how the annual fees paid by students to educational establishments can work directly in the students’ interest. Since the reintroduction of contributions, IT Carlow has earmarked the funds for specific projects that provide direct benefit to students. During this time, the Institute has collaborated closely with the student body to ensure that outstanding needs are met.
George Beattie, current President of IT Carlow’s Student Union, commented that “The response to the new building has been overwhelmingly positive. Students are delighted to see the expanded facilities and to have a building dedicated to their needs. It reflects the close relationship between staff and students at the Institute.”
The new building, which is located at the Barrow Centre to the rear of the campus, includes a 600m² sports hall, changing facilities, steam room and sauna. It provides a fully equipped gym in addition to a specialised high performance gym, a sports analysis facility and spinning room. A new all-weather pitch to FIFA 1-star standard with flood-lighting has also been completed.
Mr John Moore, Chairman of the Governing Body of IT Carlow, says “The new Barrow Centre is the fulfilment of a long-held plan to provide a unique resource for the student body. We have always held the view that education should be a challenging academic experience within a friendly, supportive environment. This building, with its additional resources, shows our on-going focus and commitment to this approach.”
For the first time, all the vital student services are now located in one easy-to-find, one stop shop. Facilities include the health centre with dedicated staff nurse, meditation room and Chaplain, access service, accommodation officer, careers service and counselling service, as well as all Student Services staff and the Student Union, with extended recreation space.
Photo: L-R Antony Friel, Aindreas Doyle, Mr Phil Hogan TD, Minister for Enviorment, Community and Local Goverment, Kate Acheson, George Beattie & Gary Flannery at the Institute of Technology Carlow's Official Opening of new Student Services Building