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EIB and UCD celebrate 35-Year ‘transformational’ partnership

Posted 12 September, 2024

Pictured at UCD's Belfield campus, UCD Bursar David Kelly, UCD President Professor Orla Feely, Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, and Kevin McKeown, Head of EIB Group Office Ireland Credit: Fennell Photography

University College Dublin welcomed the Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) to the Belfield campus to see the impact of a remarkable 35-year partnership that has driven significant investments in academic, scientific, and residential infrastructure at Ireland’s largest university and to discuss how long-term investment can transform higher education in Ireland. 

Since 1989, the EIB has provided €453 million to help UCD deliver its long-term vision for educational excellence by funding major projects that have transformed the campus, alongside supporting investment at all Irish universities and hundreds of schools.

“UCD is honoured to welcome the Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Ioannis Tsakiris, to our campus,” said UCD President, (opens in a new window)Professor Orla Feely.

“The EIB's support over the last 35 years has been pivotal in shaping the university we know today—one that provides students with world-class academic facilities and a thriving student experience.

“In 1999, there were some 18,000 students studying at UCD, today we have over 35,000 students studying here at degree, masters and PhD levels.

“With this momentous growth in the student population - almost doubling in the past 25 years, continued long-term investment is crucial to ensure that the university can maintain and enhance its teaching, learning and research environment to nurture and develop future generations,” added President Feely.

European Investment Bank Vice President, Ioannis Tsakiris, said, “The European Investment Bank recognises the essential role that investment in education plays in securing a better future for the next generation.”

“UCD’s commitment to providing top-tier academic facilities and addressing the housing challenges faced by students aligns with our priorities.”

“It is a privilege to meet UCD students and see at first hand how together the EIB and UCD have backed new campus investment that improve academic excellence and student lives, as well as contributing to addressing climate action goals," added Ioannis Tsakiris.

The cooperation with the EIB has enabled UCD to develop world-class academic buildings in science, arts, social sciences and the humanities. In addition it funded a major expansion of UCD’s sports infrastructure and expansions in on-campus student accommodation. world-class engineering, science, law, and library facilities.

In addition, the investment has supported the expansion of student accommodation, helping the university to meet growing housing demands while fostering a vibrant on-campus community.

Working with Irish universities to cut energy use and carbon emissions

The EIB’s support also underpins UCD’s commitment to environmental sustainability, with a focus on ensuring that new campus buildings and refurbishments are energy efficient and contribute to Ireland’s climate action goals.

This visit underscores the EIB’s long-standing partnership with UCD and its ongoing support for advancing educational infrastructure across Europe.

By: Dominic Martella, Head of External Communications

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie

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