Minister Lawless officially opens the new Áras Geal building in Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), Blanchardstown Campus
By Maura O'Shea
Posted: 1 May, 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has today opened the new Áras Geal building at TU Dublin’s Blanchardstown Campus.
This new three-story facility, spanning 4,067m², will increase TU Dublin’s student capacity by approximately 600 students. Designed to support modern teaching and learning, it features advanced classrooms, computer labs, informal learning spaces, administrative offices and ancillary areas, all aimed at enhancing the educational experience.
Speaking at the event today, Minister Lawless said: “This impressive new building, Áras Geal, is a powerful example of what can be achieved through vision, partnership and collaboration.
“Its opening marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s commitment to enhancing higher education infrastructure, as it is the first of 11 projects to be delivered under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme, which is part of a broader vision to strengthen infrastructure in Ireland’s Technological University sector.
“The opening of Áras Geal represents a major step forward in Ireland’s commitment to expanding higher education capacity while also supporting climate goals through environmentally friendly design.”
Construction of Áras Geal began in January 2023, and the building commenced service on 14 October 2024, following a 21-month construction period. This achievement reflects the Government’s dedication to delivering high-quality, efficient projects that advance higher education in Ireland. Furthermore, the building supports the Government’s climate action targets by integrating sustainable design principles throughout its development.
Speaking at the official opening, Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TUD, said: “TU Dublin’s core mission is to deliver accessible pathways to high-quality employment for students of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to providing world-class, practice-led and employer-engaged education and research in the heart of one of Ireland’s fastest-growing regions. Áras Geal literally translates as ‘Bright House’ or ‘House of Light’, symbolising the energy, ambition and openness that will define our University’s future. This reflects the very best of what TU Dublin stands for – excellence, accessibility, employability and engagement. From the graduates who helped design it to the students who will thrive within it, this teaching facility will serve as a beacon on our Blanchardstown campus and a milestone in our ongoing journey as Ireland’s university for enterprise, talent and innovation.”
Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes at the HEA, said: “The opening of the new Áras Geal building today, as the first building delivered, represents a key milestone in the Higher Education PPP Programme. This facility will enrich the campus experience for students and staff while providing a modern, purpose-built environment for teaching and learning.”
Andrew O’Flanagan, Director of the NDFA, said: “The completion of this large state-of-the-art facility on the TU Dublin Blanchardstown campus is great news for the students and staff of TU Dublin and marks a significant milestone in the delivery of new educational facilities through the Higher Education PPP Programme.
“It reflects a successful collaboration between the NDFA, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and TU Dublin, in partnership with PPP Co. Enbarr Education, JJ Rhatigan, Sodexo and their supply chain partners. The NDFA is delighted to have played a part in delivering this facility and would like to thank all stakeholders for their cooperation and support along the way.”
This project is being delivered under Project Ireland 2040 which recognises that investment in education is central to achieving a strong, future-proofed economy, balanced across the regions.
