Tuesday, 27.04.2010
Research hub could create 90 jobs

Almost 90 jobs could be created at a new research hub in Cork, it was revealed today.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />"I wish the project success and I hope it continues to develop in collaboration with universities and companies from around the world."<br /><br />UTC employs around 200,000 people in more than 70 countries and has corporate research centres in the US and China.<br /><br />About 74% of the technical staff hold PhDs or advanced degrees - a profile expected to be replicated in the IDA-supported Cork base.<br /><br />Enterprise minister Batt O'Keeffe said the company's investment in the Cork hub is an endorsement of the country's talented workforce.<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />"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."