UCD Lyons Farm in Co Kildare will be the site for a new ag-tech research hub. The project was awarded a 3m investment from the Regional Enterprise Development Fund through NovaUCD who were amongst 26 successful applicants to receive funding under the third round of the development fund.
The UCD Lyons Farm comprises of 250ha of land with a broad range of facilities, both educational and commercial and is located between Celbridge and Newcastle.
The centre will be developed in conjunction with Kildare County Council and Kildare LEO, AIB as well as agri-companies including Devenish, Dairymaster and Glanbia.
Tom Flanagan from NovaUCD echoed the excitement surrounding the project and the innovation in the sector, “The global ag-tech sector is ripe for disruption and Ireland now has a great opportunity to leverage its unique assets to develop innovative, job-creating ag-tech companies with global ambition.” The project is indicative of the innovative culture which NovaUCD is helping promote.
The project is part of over 40m in funding from the REDF, announced by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD. The REDF was implemented in 2017 to encourage sustainable economic growth throughout Ireland. Humphreys stated “The Regional Enterprise Development Fund is about supporting every region to build on its unique strengths and ultimately create sustainable jobs. Collaboration is at its core, among the public and private sectors, within and across regions”.
Projects such as this are integral to regional development, not just in the traditional economic hubs but equally across the country. NovaUCD continues to lead the way in investment and innovation amongst irish universities.
Patrick Doherty – Business Editor
