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ATU and Donegal ETB Sign Contract for New Apprenticeship Training Facility in Letterkenny
A state-of-the-art apprenticeship training facility is under development in Letterkenny following the signing of a construction contract between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Boyle Construction. The fitout of an existing building at Drumnahoagh, funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science under Project Ireland 2040, will enable a significant expansion of apprenticeship training across the region and nationally.
A state-of-the-art apprenticeship training facility is under development in Letterkenny following the signing of a construction contract between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Boyle Construction. The fitout of an existing building at Drumnahoagh, funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science under Project Ireland 2040, will enable a significant expansion of apprenticeship training across the region and nationally.
The building, which spans over 1,600 square metres together with an additional external compound and associated parking, will accommodate more than 200 apprentices annually. The facility will house advanced workshops and learning environments for apprenticeships in Metal Fabrication and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.
The project represents a collaboration between ATU and Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), with both institutions sharing the facility and delivering programmes under one roof. Strategically located close to ATU’s Letterkenny campus and the ETB campus, the development will strengthen tertiary cooperation and enhance access to apprenticeship education in the northwest.
Delivery of the project has been led out by the University and developed in collaboration with the ETB though each stage.
This is the last of five projects the University has successfully delivered as part of a €10m Apprenticeship Expansion programme announced in 2023, with electrical apprenticeships facilities already delivered in Killybegs, Mayo and Sligo, for more than 800 apprentices annually.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless said:
“This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when institutions work together with purpose. Donegal ETB and ATU Donegal have combined their strengths to create a single, purpose-built hub for high-quality apprenticeship training. My Department has provided significant funding through the Higher Education Apprenticeship Expansion Programme and the Further Education and Training Apprenticeship Equipment Fund to make this vision a reality.”
The Minister added: “Investing in local training infrastructure is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about backing people, strengthening communities, and securing the future of our economy. This facility will give apprentices in Donegal the tools to thrive, while helping Ireland meet the skills challenges of tomorrow.”
Minister of State, Marian Harkin said “Donegal ETB continues to demonstrate leadership in delivering high-quality apprenticeship training that meets the needs of local industry and learners. This collaboration with ATU Donegal is a powerful example of how our education and training boards are driving innovation and regional development. The investment from my Department recognises the critical role ETBs play in expanding access to apprenticeships and equipping people with the skills they need to thrive in today’s economy.”
The signing, attended by Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy and TD for Donegal, Charlie McGonalogue, welcomed the investment as a major boost for skills development and regional employment opportunities:
“This new facility represents a strong investment in Donegal’s future workforce,” the Minister said. “It will give local apprentices access to top-class training and facilities right here in the northwest, ensuring that young people and career changers alike can gain qualifications and experience that are essential to meeting Ireland’s future skills needs.”
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said:
“This investment represents a major commitment to strengthening apprenticeship education across the region. By working collaboratively with our partners Donegal ETB, we are creating opportunities for students to gain practical, industry-focused training in high-demand trades. The Drumnahoagh facility will help meet Ireland’s growing need for skilled metal fabricators and refrigeration and air conditioning technicians while supporting sustainable regional growth.”
Henry McGarvey, Vice President with responsibility for campus infrastructure and IT, said:
“The signing of the contract with Boyle Construction, for the development of Metal Fabrication and Air Conditioning & Refrigeration apprenticeship facilities is part of a €10m investment in the expansion of apprenticeship provision in our university.
A total of €5.9m is being invested in this facility at Drumnahoagh in Letterkenny, which will offer students the opportunity to undertake Metal Fabrication and Air Conditioning & Refrigeration apprenticeships for the first time outside of Dublin or Cork. This initiative will also be the first time that apprenticeships will be undertaken in a shared building with the ETB, where Donegal ETB will provide phase 2 Metal Fabrication training, in a single tertiary campus.”
Eoin Bradley, ATU’s Head of Capital Development, acknowledged the progress made by the university’s Buildings and Estates team:
“It’s great to see this important project moving ahead. The team has worked closely with Donegal ETB and other stakeholders to bring a complex and collaborative development to this stage. We look forward to welcoming apprentices to the facility early next year and to seeing the pipeline of highly skilled tradespeople contribute to the national workforce.”
The new training facility is expected to open to apprentices in January 2026.
This is a Project Ireland 2040 funded project.
