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University College Cork (UCC) welcomes Government announcement approving major expansion of the Tyndall National Institute
University College Cork (UCC) welcomes today’s announcement that the Government has approved the expansion of the Tyndal National Institute, a major research flagship.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD announced funding for Tyndall's expansion on the North Mall, the first project to be delivered under the research infrastructure and talent investment programme, INSPIRE.
The expansion programme will double Tyndall’s physical size and footprint, with today’s decision paving 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 expansion project will be delivered over a three-year period, representing a significant investment in research infrastructure under the National Development Plan.
The project will
- Strengthen Ireland’s national research infrastructure in semiconductors and related technologies
- Support balanced regional growth by expanding research capacity and capability
- Increase research impact, enterprise engagement and international competitiveness
- Underpin industrial development in key enabling technologies that drive advances in computing, artificial intelligence and communications - linchpins of the knowledge economy
A milestone for Ireland's tech future
Announcing the decision, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, whose department is leading this critical project, said:
“Today’s 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.
“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.”
The Minister went on to say;
“This project is a powerful example of collaboration between Government, UCC and Tyndall. It is a key component of the third pillar of the INSPIRE programme - our major national investment in research infrastructure and talent - which I launched with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in November 2025.”
Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD added;
“I am delighted to support the expansion of Tyndall National Institute, a key element of our national semiconductor infrastructure.
“Tyndall’s expansion is one of the key objectives of Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, namely to build on our strong semiconductor ecosystem. Tyndall already contributes enormously to Ireland’s RDI and competitiveness in the semiconductor sector, a strategically important sector for Ireland and the EU.
“This expansion is a major step in further realising our ambitions to strengthen our research capacity, promoting a robust national talent pipeline and industry partnerships in the semiconductor sector. It will help cement Ireland as a global research and innovation leader across the semiconductor value chain and in the application of semiconductors in the green and digital transitions.”
A key pillar of UCC’s ambitious Futures strategy
In welcoming the decision, Professor John O’Halloran, President of University College Cork, 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 today 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.”
Professor William Scanlon, CEO, 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.”
Dr Denis Doyle, Chair, Tyndall Board, added:
“On behalf of the Tyndall Board, I welcome today’s announcement as a defining moment for Ireland’s semiconductor future. Government investment in Tyndall’s expansion will give us the infrastructure to scale our research and drive innovation across the semiconductor value chain, strengthening our role in delivering the EU Chips Act and advancing Silicon Island. We warmly thank UCC and Minister James Lawless for their leadership and support, which enable Tyndall to accelerate Ireland’s semiconductor ambition and deliver world‑class innovation."