€100m Tyndall Institute expansion plan welcomed

The €100m expansion to Cork’s Tyndall National Institute is set to generate a number of construction jobs during the project’s three-year trajectory.

The expansion, announced by the minister for further and higher education, James Lawless, this week, will see the physical footprint of the research centre in Cork double in size over a three-year construction period.

Speaking to The Echo, a spokesperson for the minister’s department said that the Tyndall Institute currently boasts a staff of more than 650 people, including postgraduate students, and industrial researchers-in-residence.

“The project will generate construction sector employment during the three-year building programme,” the spokesperson said.

“Each year, Tyndall trains approximately 160 postgraduate students, with 60% progressing directly to industry after graduation.

“The new facility, once delivered, will provide laboratories, office space and resources required to increase postgraduate enrolment and expand research capacity.

“This will contribute positively to research, high level ICT skills, semiconductor, quantum and associated specialist skills and innovation activity. The institute collaborates closely with industry, supporting innovation and hi-tech job creation.”

Mr Lawless said the project will “significantly strengthen” Ireland’s global position as a leader in research and innovation.