Atlantic Technological University to receive €19.6 million in funding
The funding comes as part of the package that will see third-level institutions across the Midlands-North West receive over €36 million to enhance research and innovation opportunities, according to Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh
Atlantic Technological University is to receive €19.6 million in funding thanks to assistance from the European Regional Development Fund.
It comes as part of the package that will see third-level institutions across the Midlands-North West set to receive over €36 million to enhance research and innovation opportunities, according to Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh.
ATU has campuses in Letterkenny and Killybegs, as well as in two in Sligo, Castlebar, Galway city, Letterfrack, Connemara, and Mountbellew.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) are also set to benefit from the announcement, receiving €5m and €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.
“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,” MEP Maria Walsh said. "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 business 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.”