Building is to start on a new €20 million investment upgrade to the library at the National University of Ireland Maynooth.
The project is expected to employ 200 construction workers at its peak with an anticipated 160 associated jobs supported over the period of the build.
The project will see over 6,000sq m of new space added to existing facilities and a 10,000sq m upgrade to the library.
When completed, the new library will be 250 per cent larger and will offer an increase of 215 per cent in seating capacity.
A total of €14million will be spent on construction with a further €6million spent on fitting out and equipping the buildings.
Work is expected to be finished by September 2012.
Approving the contract Tánaiste and Minister for Education Mary Coughlan said the project will provide modern “state-of-the-art facilities for students at the university.”
She said: "The provision of this facility is critical to the future of the University due to the unprecedented demand for library space and services arising from increased student numbers.
"This contract will bring Government capital investment in NUI Maynooth to over €50 million in the past decade.”
President of NUI Maynooth professor Tom Collins said the new library will become a “focal point” for the university.