Marine Institute secures €6m investment in Newport

INVESTMENT Pictured in Furnace, Newport, at the announcement of a €6 million investment and 20 new jobs at the Marine Institute facility, from left: An Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Elvira De Eyto, Scientist Marine Institute and Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO, Marine Institute. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

Taoiseach hails ‘rural innovation’

Anton McNulty

“A real example of innovation taking place in a rural community.” That was how An Taoiseach Enda Kenny described the Marine Institute which announced the creation of 20 new jobs at its Newport facility last weekend.
The 20 new positions come as a result of the securement of €6 million worth of research grants from a number of European, Irish and British agencies including Science Foundation Ireland, Interreg, EU H2020/European Research Council, European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the British Research Council.
The investment and the creation of the new jobs were announced by Mr Kenny at the Marine Institute at Furnace, located outside Newport, on Saturday. He praised the work of the institute and what they have achieved over the years.
“The announcement by the Marine Institute supporting 20 new positions here in Newport is very timely following the launch of ‘Realising our Rural Potential – the Action Plan for Rural Development’ earlier this week. The Newport facility is a real example of innovation taking place in a rural community and creates exciting opportunities both now and in the years ahead.
“Scientists at doctoral and post-doctoral level working at the facility are involved in conducting research with not only national implications, but also international relevance. In other words, it firmly brings what is a rural area into a national and international context. This is a relatively unique research facility in operation since 1955 and I am delighted to see the continued excellent quality research that is taking place following €6 million in funding from research grants.
“I also wish to thank the Marine Institute and their educational partners for their efforts in building a strong international reputation for marine research and innovation,” he said.

Cutting edge research
A wide range of cutting edge research is currently carried out at the Newport facility including genetics work across several species of salmon, sea bass and pollock, research on the catchment and climate change.
Marine Institute CEO, Dr Peter Heffernan said the investment will ensure it remains at the cutting edge of research and innovation.
“Ireland has been gaining a reputation in Europe, and internationally for its marine research and innovation, and for driving collaboration in this area. We have a strong marine research community supported by growing national research infrastructure.
“This €6 million investment programme will see the Marine Institute expand its research capacity at its Newport facility and the continued investment in marine research will ensure that Ireland stays at the cutting edge of research and innovation,” he explained.
The Marine Institute is the national agency for marine research, technology, development and innovation, and seeks to assess and realise the economic potential of Ireland’s marine resource.
As well as having a number of Irish Higher Education Institutions and international partners, it is also working with Mayo County Council to develop new initiatives to benefit the local area.
Welcoming the news Peter Hynes, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, said the investment was ‘fantastic news’ for Mayo and the West region and Mayo County Council looks forward to continuing to work with the Marine Institute.