Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the opening of applications under the new INSPIRE Research Infrastructure Programme, describing it as a major investment in Ireland’s future skills, innovation and economic growth.

The programme will see at least €500 million invested in research equipment and infrastructure across the higher education sector over the next five years as part of a wider €750 million package, which also includes support for Ireland’s high-performance computing capability and the expansion of the Tyndall National Institute.

The investment will support universities and higher education institutions in upgrading critical teaching and research equipment, strengthening innovation capacity and helping train the next generation of highly-skilled graduates.

Welcoming the opening of the Phase One call, Minister Canney said: “This is a hugely important investment in the future of higher education, research and innovation in Ireland. As a former lecturer, I understand the importance of this type of investment.”

“If we want Ireland to remain competitive and continue attracting investment and creating jobs, we need to make sure our higher education institutions have the facilities and equipment needed to deliver world-class teaching and research.

“What is particularly positive about INSPIRE is the strong focus on building long-term capacity across the country, supporting regional development and helping institutions produce highly-skilled, industry-ready graduates.”

The INSPIRE programme is being delivered by the Higher Education Authority and Research Ireland and will support both routine institutional research equipment and larger shared national research infrastructures.

Under Phase One, funding will focus on equipment used regularly within institutions for teaching and research purposes, with up to €150 million expected to be allocated over this year and next.

The Higher Education Authority is now inviting eligible higher education institutions to submit Phase One applications, with funding awards expected to be announced later this year.

Funding awards are expected to be announced later this year.