On the 26th July 1999 the new Computer Applications Building (an extension to the present building) was officially opened by An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D. The opening was attended by over 150 friends and guests of the University from industry and from other academic institutions.

Picture shows An Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern, T.D. and Dr. Tom Hardiman, Chancellor of the University.

When fully commissioned, the new extension will include office accommodation for over 30 staff, a new administrative centre for the School, a large area for accommodating up to 80 full-time research students and 9 new undergraduate computing laboratories.

Picture shows Prof. Alan Smeaton, head of the School of Computing, former President of the University Dr. Daniel O'Hare and An Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern, T.D. on the balcony of the new building

The new extension adds another 2,800 square meters of lab space and accommodation to the existing 2,000 m2. 5 of the 9 new laboratories are already completed and kitted out with equipment for the 1999 student intake.

Picture shows Prof. Smeaton, Dr. O'Hare, An Taoiseach cutting the ribbon with Mr. Paddy Wright, Chairman of the DCU Educational Trust and Dr. Tom Hardiman, Chancellor of the University.

The building was designed by architects Scott Tallon Walker and completed on time and within budget. 50% of the costs of the building were provided by the Department of Education and Science under the skills shortage scheme while the other 50% was raised through private donations by the Dublin City University Educational trust, the fundraising arm of the University.

Picture shows An Taoiseach, Dr. O'Hare and Prof. Smeaton on the balcony