VIDEO: University of Limerick designer scoops €7k James Dyson prize

A graduate of the University of Limerick has scooped a €7,000 runner-up prize in the international James Dyson award for his invention.

Cathal Redmond, a 26-year-old product design graduate, invented the Express Dive, a lightweight system which allows divers to breathe underwater for up to two minutes.

Once the air supply begins to run out, the user can resurface and hold a button to refill the one-litre tank.

The Express Dive cuts the number and size of parts needed to breathe underwater and reduces the weight and size of the breathing apparatus.

It also allows the user to dive to much greater depths as it has its own separate air tank.

It costs around €400, whereas a full scuba kit can cost in the region of €3,000.

Mr Redmond, from Bunclody, Co Wexford, had designed the product as part of his degree course in product design and technology at the University of Limerick, from which he graduated this year.

He had already received €2,500 for winning the Irish leg of the award earlier this year, and will now receive a further €7,000 from the James Dyson Foundation to develop his product, securing one of two runner-up spots in the prestigious competition.

A Rapid Circuit Board printer designed by a team from the University of Waterloo in Canada won the overall 2015 international James Dyson award, earning €40,000 to develop the idea.

Mr Redmond is one of just three students — from more than 700 entrants in 20 countries — to receive an international prize and is the first Irish student in the 11-year history of the awards to take home an international prize.

He now hopes to set up his own company to bring Express Dive to market.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be a global runner-up in the James Dyson award,” he said.

Cathal Redmond with his invention ‘Express Dive at the Olympicsized pool at the UL’s sports arena. ’ Picture: Marie McCallan/Press 22

“The support I’ve received over these past months since I was shortlisted has been phenomenal, and I just want to thank everybody who has helped get me here, I couldn’t have done it without them.

“Since winning the Irish leg of the award and talking to different people, I’ve seen there is a huge appetite for Express Dive — I’m going to spend the money developing the safety testing and getting it ready to sell.”

Muireann McMahon, course director of product design and technology at UL, said: “This is a very proud moment for the University of Limerick and for our graduates. This is the first time one of our students or any Irish student has won an international prize in the award.”