Cork researchers secure major Government funding - Martin

Cork researchers have secured major funding from the Government as part of the largest research investment ever into Irish colleges, according to Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin.

"The success of our colleges in securing funding underlines the strong national and international reputation Cork has secured for top class research and development. We have seen unprecedented investment into UCC, the Tyndall Institute and CIT in recent years, as Education Minister and again as Enterprise Minister I firmly believed that such investment was crucial if Cork was to play its role in the establishment of a smart economy that would provide quality jobs for our people."

"There are a number of significant projects included in the round of funding, including 19 millon euro for a UCC project 'Translating Bio Sciences into Health' and a further 7.5 million for a new environment research institute."

"Such cutting edge research is part of the overall package we can offer to investors when we are selling Cork as a prime location for business and jobs."

"All of our colleges have been forging links with the commercial sector and the standard of research now being carried out in Cork can rival any other location in Europe and further afield. In health, bio pharma, information technology and green industry our researchers are blazing a trail."

"It is important that the funding announced today is translated into action as quickly as possible, providing valuable work for researchers and ensuring that Cork capitalises on any commercial opportunities which arise as a result of this research", concluded Minister Martin.