€14.6m allocated to MTU for research and innovation

Munster Technological University (MTU) has been allocated €14.6m to enhance research and innovation.

President of MTU, Professor Maggie Cusack, said the money was a significant investment in MTU’s future and a boost for the southwest region.

“This funding will have a hugely positive impact on research and innovation across MTU and is another milestone in transforming our six campuses into one university,” Prof Cusack said.

“By enhancing our research-and-innovation capabilities, we are a step closer to reaching our strategic goal of being a truly great technological university with global reach.” The funding is part of €84m allocated by the Department of Further and Higher Education’s TU RISE programme.

The programme, which is co-funded by the Government and the European Union, sets up, equips, and staffs regional research-and-innovation offices within technological universities, to deepen engagement with industry. It also encompasses staff development, recruitment, postgraduate training and supervision, and networking in the technological sector.

Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris announced the €84m for the five technological universities (TUs), as well as for Dundalk Institute of Technology and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

“The 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,” Mr Harris said.

“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.”

Fianna Fáil Cork City councillor Terry Shannon, who is cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly, which is the European Regional Development Fund managing authority for the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme, said: “TU RISE will complement wider investment, including significant investment under the ERDF Regional Programmes, in building research, development and innovation capacity in higher education institutions and in small-to-medium enterprises throughout the regions,” Mr Shannon said.