€100m investment in Tyndall
Tyndal National Institute’s physical size and footprint will double over the next few years with the Government this week approving its expansion.
The North Mall project will be delivered over a three-year period and is the first project to be delivered under the research infrastructure and talent investment programme, INSPIRE.
The planning decision paves the way for a joint funding mechanism between the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and University College Cork allowing the project to progress under the relevant capital development governance structures within UCC.
The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, whose department is leading this project, said: “(This) decision marks a milestone for Ireland’s tech future. This investment of over €100 million under the National Development Plan will significantly strengthen Ireland’s global position in cutting‑edge semiconductor research and innovation, and it will be central to driving forward our ambition to become a true Silicon Ireland.”
He added: “This expansion will reinforce Tyndall’s role as a vital bridge between world‑leading research and a dynamic, fast‑growing semiconductor industry. It will support breakthroughs in AI, quantum technologies and next‑generation computing - delivering economic growth, creating high‑skilled jobs and advancing Ireland’s wider knowledge‑economy ambitions.”
Prof. John O’Halloran, President of UCC, said: “As one of Ireland’s leading research-intensive institutions, quantum and photonics forms a key pillar of UCC’s ambitious Futures strategy. This investment in Tyndall aligns with this vision and allows us to attract global talent who will develop the next generation of semiconductor technology, driving economic growth within a world-class facility.”
We are deeply appreciative of this support and endorsement of our plans for the future.”
Prof. William Scanlon, CEO of Tyndall said: “The Government's support for the Tyndall’s expansion is transformative for Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem. It is an instrumental step in realising Ireland’s ambition under ‘Silicon Island’ the National Semiconductor Strategy. This new world-class research facility will enable Tyndall’s growth for the future and deliver greater economic impact, an expanded talent pipeline, and strengthen Europe’s strategic resilience in this critical sector.”
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcomed the announcement of Cabinet approval for €100 million in funding to support the expansion of the Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork, describing it as a transformational investment in Ireland’s national research and innovation capability. Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy, said: “The funding announced today to support the expansion of the Tyndall National Institute represents a highly significant investment in Ireland’s deep-tech research infrastructure and a clear vote of confidence in Ireland’s ability to lead in advanced and emerging technologies at a European and global level.”