Research hub could create 90 jobs

Almost 90 jobs could be created at a new research hub in Cork, it was revealed today.

The high-skilled positions are being developed as part of a multimillion-euro International Energy Research Centre (IERC) where industry leaders will work with top experts on sustainable energy systems.

University College Cork has estimated 50 jobs will be established at the base in its Tyndall National Institute, supported by around €20m of Government funding.

Meanwhile US firm United Technologies Corporation (UTC) has pledged to provide a further 37 new jobs over the next four years through a €15m investment at the centre.

The company, which provides products and services to the building and aerospace industries, is making the Cork base its European research hub for energy and security systems.

Energy minister Eamon Ryan said the IERC project, jointly funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, is ground-breaking.

"This critical piece of research infrastructure for Ireland's smart economy has the potential to drive sustainability initiatives and lead to substantial future investments in Ireland," he added.

"I wish the project success and I hope it continues to develop in collaboration with universities and companies from around the world."

UTC employs around 200,000 people in more than 70 countries and has corporate research centres in the US and China.

About 74% of the technical staff hold PhDs or advanced degrees - a profile expected to be replicated in the IDA-supported Cork base.

Enterprise minister Batt O'Keeffe said the company's investment in the Cork hub is an endorsement of the country's talented workforce.

"UTC is among the world's most respected technologically driven corporations and it is a global leader in its field across a range of business sectors," he said.

"Today's investment is a unique opportunity for Ireland to partner with this global leader in advancing our research capability and creating high-value jobs in the clean technology sector.

"I am delighted that UTC has selected Cork's Tyndall National Institute in UCC, which specialises in information communications technology, to host the new centre."