Major Government funding to build Galway’s ‘Smart Economy’ – Fahey

Galway researchers have secured €61 million in funding from the Government as part of the largest research investment ever into Irish colleges. This is a significant investment in the development of the ‘Smart Economy’ in Galway, according to Galway West Fianna Fáil Frank Fahey.

“We will see a major investment into NUI, Galway in an announcement being made today by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD.,” confirmed Deputy Fahey.

“This kind of investment is crucial if Galway is to play its role in the establishment of a Smart Economy that will continue to provide quality jobs. I have been working with NUI, Galway to help secure the funding they need and indeed the University has done an excellent job itself raising funds in its own right.

"There are a number of significant projects included in this round of funding, including €31.5 million for a project called Advancing Medicine through Discovery and €15.9 million for a new arts, humanities and social sciences research building.

“Funding is also being allocated for a number of other important projects at the University in the marine, health, earth science, and biomedical fields.

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

“This funding is in addition to the funding provided last year for the €30 million engineering building which is now at an advanced stage of construction.”

"The funding announced today will provide valuable work for researchers helping us to build Galway as a centre of excellences in research in Ireland," concluded Frank Fahey TD.