Taoiseach to open state-of-the-art IT research centre

ONE of the largest information and communications technology research groups in Ireland will welcome Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on Monday to showcase their extensive work in the communications technology sector.

The Taoiseach is due to officially open the ArcLab Research & Innovation Centre on Waterford Institute of Technology’s West Campus at Carriganore, a purpose-designed 2,350 sqm facility, built with funding from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Enterprise Ireland and AIB.

The ArcLab Research & Innovation Centre is frequently cited as an example of best practice in higher education and, under the HEA’s Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI), accommodates 110 researchers of the Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG).

This is one of the largest information and communications technology research groups in Ireland.

WIT director Prof Kieran R Byrne said: “The opening of this centre marks a further landmark in the development of this Institute as a vitally important driver of economic growth in the southeast and more widely.

“Ireland’s future prosperity is dependent on aligning research and innovation for technology start-ups.

“It is accepted that if Ireland’s economic future is to mirror the recent period of growth and expansion then we must develop a culture of entrepreneurship and foster indigenous companies that create sustainable employment at diverse locations. The building blocks of this culture will be found in research, development and innovation,” he said.

The centre also provides an ideal environment for start-up companies in the southeast region – offering office space and mentoring advice.