Refurbished Arts Building of well-known Kildare university officially opened

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has officially opened the refurbished Maynooth University (MU) Arts Building.

Minister Lawless, who is based in North Kildare, met with staff and students on his visit to campus (March 31 last).

He cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the building, which cost a total of €5.7 million to refurbish, and also viewed a new Research Ireland-funded mass spectrometer and other high-tech research equipment during his visit.

Speaking about the refurbishment, Minister Lawless said: "These developments will provide state-of-the-art facilities to enhance students' on-campus experience.

"With Maynooth being my local University, I was familiar with the campus and the old arts block so I was extremely impressed at the architecture and form in the reworked building."

He added: "This new structure is greener, more sustainable and creates a more pleasant place for students to interact particularly the new all-purpose hall where I met many students congregating during my visit."

Originally designed by the renowned Irish architect Robin Walker in the 1970s, the building was refurbished by RKD Architects.

It was delayed by Covid-19, but eventually went ahead over the summers of 2023 and 2024, in order to minimise disruption during term time.

CHANGES MADE

The upgrades included: 

• Complete façade replacement while remaining faithful to the original design to improve energy performance
• Installation of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery in classrooms and lecture spaces
• Bathroom refurbishment and improvement to circulation areas
• Upgrades to classrooms, staff offices and external courtyard
• Structural steel frame repair and repainting to ensure longevity
• Introduction of a new Student Common Room with 240 seats 

Photo supplied by MKC Communications

Speaking at the ceremony, MU President Professor Eeva Leinonen also thanked Minister James Lawless for opening the building.

Prof Leinonen said that MU has a "deep appreciation" for him and his Department for their ongoing support of the university, and also "of higher education across Ireland".

She added: "This refurbished Arts Building is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, excellence in education, and respect for our architectural heritage.

"It provides our students and staff with a modern, comfortable, and inspiring environment in which to learn, teach, and collaborate.

"In our Strategic Plan, we describe our vision as Campus Beo — a living campus that reimagines university life to reflect the evolving ways we learn, teach, and work."

"We would like to thank the Department for its support in making our vision a reality," Prof Leinonen concluded.

READ NEXT: Money needed for road safety work on this main street in Kildare