Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Elvira De Eyto, Scientist Marine Institute and Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO, Marine Institute © Michael McLaughlin
Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Elvira De Eyto, Scientist Marine Institute and Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO, Marine Institute © Michael McLaughlin

Marine Institute secures €6m

The Marine Institute, Ireland, has announced the creation of 20 new jobs at its Newport facility as a result of the securement of €6m from Horizon 2020, amongst other agencies.

The investment and the creation of the jobs were announced by Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the Marine Institute at Furnace, located outside Newport, County Mayo.

Kenny said: The announcement by the Marine Institute supporting 20 new positions here in Newport is very timely following the launch of ‘Realising our Rural Potential – the Action Plan for Rural Development’ earlier this week.

“The Newport facility is a real example of innovation taking place in a rural community and creates exciting opportunities both now and in the years ahead.

“Scientists at doctoral and post-doctoral level working at the facility are involved in conducting research with not only national implications, but also international relevance. In other words, it firmly brings what is a rural area into a national and international context.

“This is a relatively unique research facility in operation since 1955 and I am delighted to see the continued excellent quality research that is taking place following €6m in funding from research grants.

“I also wish to thank the Marine Institute and their educational partners for their efforts in building a strong international reputation for marine research and innovation.”

As well as having a number of Irish Higher Education Institutions and international partners, the Marine Institute is also working with Mayo County Council to develop new initiatives to benefit the local area.

Alongside Horizon 2020, funding for the institute also comes from the European Research Council; Science Foundation Ireland; Interreg; European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF); and the British Research Council.