An ambitious five-year plan - which will see a 10 per cent increase in student numbers and much improved access for the disadvantaged - has been unveiled by NUI Maynooth.
The plan is designed to build on the college's academic reputation while consolidating its unique level of support for mature and disadvantaged students.
It envisages the establishment of a Chair of Adult Education and a School of Education. It also proposes the establishment of a Department of Business Studies and the promotion of the college as a cultural resource by promoting performances and outreach developments in music, theatre and drama studies.
The university president, Dr Seamus Smyth, said that "the plan provides a clear representation of the significant role which NUI Maynooth plays in the national and international educational environment, a role which it is committed to expanding".
Other elements include:
A 10 per cent increase in overall student numbers from 5,000 to 5,500 by 2005;
A 200 per cent increase in places for disadvantaged students;
An expansion of the mature student population to 15 per cent of intake;
Expansion of non-EU student numbers by 75 per cent;
Expansion of postgraduate student numbers to a minimum of 25 per cent of total enrolment;
Development of the new £14 million John Hume Building, a teaching and research facility;
A £12 million biosciences and electronic engineering facility.
In other student services, more than 300 new student bedrooms will be provided and some £5 million will be invested in sports and social facilities.
The strategy proposes the development of an integrated approach to support research in the college.