Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the agreement between the European Investment Bank and the University of Limerick regarding the library extension at the university; when works will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40769/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The University of Limerick concluded an agreement with the EIB in December 2013 regarding the EIB's financial support for a €224m infrastructural investment plan at the University. The extension to the University Library forms part of the overall plan which requires funding from a number of different sources.

Preliminary site enabling works have already been completed. We understand that, following the appropriate public procurement procedures, it is expected that a main contractor for the extension will be appointed early in 2015, with construction commencing immediately thereafter. It is further expected that the extension will be ready for occupation approximately sixteen months later.

The Deputy may also wish to note that €10m of direct exchequer funding will be made available next year for the project which is one of the three major capital projects in Irish universities that will benefit from the €20m of funding in 2015 that formed part of my budget announcement on Tuesday, 14th October last.