'A hugely significant moment for Cork': Progress welcomed on major Tyndall expansion plan 

The expansion of Cork-headquartered research centre Tyndall has been approved by government, with a Cork TD celebrating the project “moving from paper to reality”.

The project will more than double the physical size and footprint of Tyndall National Institute through the construction of a new 17,500 square metre state-of-the-art facility adjacent to the existing institute in Cork.

The new development will include advanced laboratories, specialist research facilities, collaborative innovation spaces and enhanced facilities to support engagement with industry partners, start-ups and enterprise clients. 

The project is set to be delivered in the last quarter of 2028.

In January, the government approved a €100m expansion of Tyndall National Institute, as the first major project that will be delivered under the landmark infrastructure and talent investment programme, Inspire, launched last year.

Tyndall’s new strategy Tyndall 2030, a roadmap to grow annual income to more than €80m and expand its workforce by more than 30% to over 750 employees, was launched in April.

Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless told Cork TD Pádraig O’Sullivan that the expansion project is currently progressing through final governance and approval steps.

Approval is now granted by the Department for UCC to enter into a contract with the preferred contractor to deliver the development.

Mr Lawless added: “As this process is ongoing, a detailed delivery timeline has not yet been confirmed.

“Drawdown of the approved funding allocation will commence when the relevant approvals are complete and eligible expenditure is incurred.”

Mr O’Sullivan told The Echo: “This is a hugely significant moment for Cork. The government has now given the green light for UCC to sign the contract with the preferred contractor for the expansion of the Tyndall Institute.”