Third-level institutions across the Midlands-North West are set to receive over €36 million in funding to enhance research and innovation opportunities, according to Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) are all set to benefit from the announcement, receiving €5m, €12m and €19.6m respectively.
The funding programme will establish, equip, and staff regional research and innovation offices within Technological Universities to enable deepened engagement with local business and industry stakeholders.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“The investment of over €36m in our third-level institutions right across the Midlands-North West is thanks to assistance from the European Regional Development Fund. This is a prime example of Ireland and the EU working together for the betterment of not only our education system, but also our local businesses economies.
“This funding will help education institutions purchase and upgrade research equipment that will aid the needs of Irish researchers and businesses over the next couple of years – ensuring that they are at the forefront of their fields. It will also support vital research activity across the sector and build future capacity in R&D.”
Minister Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D. said:
“Our Technological Universities are uniquely placed to link with local and regional enterprises, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises, to support them to turn innovation opportunities into real-world actuality.
“TUs are catalysts of regional development and support the skills and employment agendas regionally and nationally. This significant research-oriented funding will further enhance their capacity in this regard, ensuring that as a nation Ireland will be recognised as a world-leader in Research and Innovation for years to come.”
