Speaking at the launch, An Taoiseach commended all those involved from UCC, CIT and the Irish Naval Service for their vision in developing a new research and commercial campus in Ringaskiddy Co. Cork.  The initial phase will see the delivery of 70 new research jobs by 2014, with industry suites, incubation units and enterprise centres to be developed as part of an extended campus adjacent to the NMCI by 2016.

In his response to An Taoiseach’s speech, Dr Michael Murphy, President of UCC said that: “research and commercial clusters are increasingly appreciated as engines for economic growth from Europe to China. IMERC puts Ireland on the map as a location for a maritime and energy cluster par excellence.  It provides a one-stop-shop which focuses our attention on new and emerging opportunities in four distinct areas: Marine energy; Maritime safety and security; Shipping, logistics and transport; and Marine recreation”.

“Dr Val Cummins, IMERC Director explains:  “The aim of IMERC is to promote Ireland as a world-renowned research and development location that will unlock Ireland’s maritime and energy potential. The creation of research posts will require a close working relationship with state agencies such as the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, and support from local bodies such as Port of Cork and Cork County Council”.  According to Dr Cummins “the Taoiseach’s endorsement of IMERC is testimony to the national interest which IMERC aims to serve. This boils down to developing an environment where innovation can take place, creating new ideas, ventures, and jobs in support of the maritime economy of Ireland”.

Also at the launch, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Mr Simon Coveney, stated that: “IMERC is an engine for economic growth, both for Cork and for the country as a whole. A unique aspect of IMERC is the involvement of the Irish Naval Service, which provides expertise, equipment and infrastructure in support of SMEs and new commercial ventures.  This critical mass will be brought to bear on the realisation of the IMERC strategy, which will see the integration of industry partners across all IMERC activities”. The IMERC Strategy 2011-2016, describes the plans in detail, and can be accessed from the website www.imerc.ie   

Picture left to right: Commodore Mark Mellett Flag Officer in Command of the Naval Service; Michael Delaney Vice President for Development CIT; Dr Val Cummins Director of IMERC; Professor Anita Maguire, VP for Research, UCC; Minister Simon Coveney, Mr Peter Coyle Chairman of IMERC; An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny.

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