Don’t worry, the name of the college itself isn’t about to change anytime soon.
Parts of the campus in Trinity College Dublin could be renamed in a deal that potentially worth €1 million to the university over a five-year period.
According to a report in The Irish Times, consultants will be appointed by Trinity College to identify a donor (a person or a firm) who would be willing to pay approximately €200,000 per annum to have their “name plate” on parts of the campus that have not yet been identified.
Speaking to the Irish Times, a spokesperson for Trinity College said that renowned areas of the campus such as the Long Room and the Front Square would not be affected, ruling out the prospect of a “Ryanair Front Square” or “Guinness Long Room”.
“The practice would be in keeping with the majority of Irish and international university campuses,” the spokesperson said.
“Should the naming of a location proceed it would be done with care and attention to the values of the college campus and community.”
The move has been criticised by general secretary of the Irish Federation of University Teachers Mike Jennings, who said it was “embarrassing”.
“It is really a shameful reflection on the state of this country that our higher education establishments have to sell themselves in this way,” Jennings said.
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