The Minister for Jobs, Richard Burton, together with the Minister for Research, Innovation and Skills, Damien English, today announced details of a €28 million investment in research equipment and facilities through Science Foundation Ireland.

A total of 21 exemplary research projects will be supported in sectors including marine renewable energy.

Namely, UCC/Marinet secured €2.2 million funding for an Open Ocean Emulator to accurately replicate real ocean wave conditions in a laboratory setting to accelerate growth of the offshore renewable energy industry in Ireland.

Furthermore, UL/MaREI project was approved €1.9 million for a remotely operated vehicle to enable the deployment, repair and maintenance of wave and tidal energy devices in the challenging offshore conditions.

This new infrastructure should ensure that Irish researchers continue to be internationally competitive, with access to modern equipment and facilities which will enable them to be successful in securing future funding from leading companies and Europe, including Horizon 2020.