€14m investment in new agricultural research and education facilities at UCD Lyons Farm
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue with Liam Herlihy, FBD Group Chair; Tomás Ó Midheach, FBD Group Chief Executive Officer; Professor Orla Feely, President of UCD and Michael Berkery, Chairman of FBD Trust CLG.
FBD and University College Dublin (UCD) have announced a major investment in new agricultural research and education facilities at UCD Lyons Farm.
FBD Holdings plc and FBD Trust CLG have pledged a philanthropic contribution of €6m in support of the facility and UCD is providing €8m, bringing the combined investment in UCD Lyons Farm to €14m.
Construction of the new centre is due to commence in 2025.
The ‘UCD FBD Agricultural Science Centre’ will provide a centre where researchers, students, innovators and industry experts can collaborate on projects aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges facing modern farming and agriculture.
This new development will also allow for an increase in the number of undergraduate and postgraduate students and UCD staff studying and researching in the areas of agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science.
It will also facilitate new education programmes in the areas of animal science, animal health, crop science and sustainable food production, and be a venue to showcase the latest research to agricultural advisers, farmer groups and the wider industry.
Michael Berkery, chairman of FBD Trust said this investment in agricultural education and research is "vital to meet the environmental challenges facing the sector and to continuously improve the competitiveness of Irish farmers and the food industry in global markets".
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue commented: "The collaboration between FBD and UCD represents a significant investment in the future of Irish agriculture, reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in sustainable food production.
"Through the development of the new facility at UCD Lyons Farm, both partners are poised to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of agricultural practices and the prosperity of rural communities."
