Ministers announce €28m investment in science projects

A €28m investment is being announced in 21 science projects.

The fund is for research equipment and facilities, through Science Foundation Ireland.

The investment, through the Department of Jobs, is for projects in sectors including applied geo-sciences, pharmaceutical manufacturing, bio-banking, marine renewable energy, internet of things, astronomy, big data and additive manufacturing using nano-materials.

The Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton said that “employment growth in every region” was one of the reasons behind the investment.

“At the heart of our Action Plan for jobs is driving employment growth in every region of the country,” said Bruton.

“We have now put in place individual jobs plans for seven out of the eight regions in the country, and what has repeatedly become clear is that research and innovation must be accelerated right across the country if we are to deliver the jobs growth we need.”

For his part Minister for Research, Innovation and Skills, Damien English felt the investment shows that Ireland “is business friendly”.

“The 21 projects will enable globally compelling research to be undertaken across the country; facilitating greater industry and international collaboration; supporting the training of researchers and demonstrating to an international audience that Ireland on an all island basis, is business friendly and bullish in its pursuit of, and participation in, excellent research,” said English.