From:Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

During a visit to Tyndall National Institute based at University College Cork (UCC) to mark the commencement of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, today announced a major expansion of the institute, marking a significant milestone for Ireland's research, innovation and semiconductor ambitions.

The Government has approved the exchequer funding required for the project and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is now providing approval for UCC to enter into a contract with the preferred contractor to deliver the development.

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 Q4, 2028.

Speaking in Cork today, the Taoiseach said:

“This major investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring Ireland remains at the forefront of research, innovation and advanced technology. Tyndall National Institute is a nationally significant asset that plays a critical role in connecting world-class research with industry and enterprise. This expansion will strengthen Ireland’s position in strategically important sectors, including semiconductors, and support economic growth and job creation for years to come.”

Minister James Lawless TD said:

“Today’s announcement is another important step in delivering on Ireland’s ambition to be a global leader in research and innovation. Funded through the Government’s INSPIRE programme, this investment will expand Tyndall’s world-class research infrastructure and strengthen Ireland’s capabilities in strategically important areas such as semiconductors and digital technologies.

“Tyndall has built an outstanding reputation for translating research excellence into real-world impact through strong partnerships with industry and academia. This investment will build on that success, supporting new collaborations, developing talent and creating opportunities for innovation that will benefit our economy and society for years to come.”

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said:

“I welcome today’s announcement of the major expansion plan for Tyndall National Institute. It marks another step forward in delivering Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to strengthen our research capacity, develop a robust national talent pipeline and deepen industry partnerships across the semiconductor sector.

“Tyndall already makes a significant contribution to Ireland’s RD&I capability and competitiveness within the semiconductor ecosystem, a sector of strategic importance to both Ireland and the EU. This investment will cement Ireland’s position as a European and global leader in semiconductor RD&I, spanning the full value chain and supporting the use of semiconductors to drive the green and digital transitions.”

President of UCC Professor John O'Halloran said:

"This investment aligns with our ambitious UCC Futures strategy, in which Quantum and Photonics forms a key pillar. We are deeply appreciative of the Government’s support for this vision, which will attract the very best global talent to develop the next generation of semiconductor technology in a world-class facility here at UCC in Cork.”

Established in 2004 as a partnership between the Irish Government and University College Cork, Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s largest dedicated research institute and one of Europe’s leading centres for information and communications technology research.

The institute plays a central role in Ireland’s semiconductor ecosystem, working with leading global technology companies as well as a broad range of Irish enterprises. It also supports the development of highly skilled researchers and graduates, helping to build the talent pipeline required by the sector.

The expansion project has been developed in response to growing demand for Tyndall’s facilities and expertise. Capacity constraints at the existing site have increasingly limited opportunities for growth and expansion, particularly as Ireland seeks to build on its strengths in semiconductors and other deep-tech sectors.

Professor William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall, said:

“This investment marks a major milestone for Tyndall and for Ireland’s wider research and innovation landscape. It reflects the Government’s strong commitment to ensuring Ireland remains globally competitive in strategically important areas such as semiconductors and advanced technologies.

“Tyndall’s campus expansion is a key pillar of our Tyndall 2030 strategy and underpins our ambition to strengthen Europe’s leadership in light of the proposed EU tech sovereignty package, including Chips Act 2.0. By significantly expanding our capacity, this new facility will support future growth, deepen our engagement with industry and enterprise, and strengthen Ireland’s ability to develop the talent and research excellence needed to drive economic impact and long-term resilience.”

The new facility will provide the additional research infrastructure needed to support future growth and will reinforce Tyndall’s position as a national focal point for research, innovation and industry collaboration. The project aligns closely with a range of institutional, regional, national and international strategies and will support enterprise development, economic competitiveness and the continued growth of Ireland’s higher education and research system.

Construction is expected to commence following contract finalisation, with the project representing one of the most significant investments in Irish research infrastructure in recent years.