A rural new innovation and technology centre is spearheading new sustainable construction techniques.

The InnoTech Centre has been set up by South West College which is to support its training for the building and construction industry.

At a seminar, 'Opportunities for Sustainable Construction' held at Enniskillen Townhall earlier this month, the Minister for Agricultural and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew, said that rural businesses would have to explore energy and waste management solutions that will make their businesses become more sustainable.

"They can also benefit from the research and development available to develop new products or services that will be required in our more energy conscious future," she told delegates.

She praised those behind the setting up of the new Innotech Centre. "I am very impressed with the proposed Centre, the project is an excellent example of practical rural development in action.

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"The proposal clearly identifies and utilises the skills and knowledge available through South West College, BRE and the Institutes of Letterkenny and Sligo. Once completed the Centre will provide space and support to transfer knowledge from these educational institutions to local rural businesses.

"The proposed centre also recognises the benefits of all Ireland collaboration that will benefit both businesses and third level education providers in this area," she stated.

The seminar was organised by South West College along with Sligo and Letterkenny Institutes of Technology as part of their partnership drive to position the region in the north-west of Ireland at the forefront of renewable technology. They do this by offering industry an opportunity to liaise and develop specialised expertise in the sustainable construction sector.

The Colleges currently occupy a unique position as drivers for building and construction innovation in a range of specialist areas including design, engineering, quarrying, electronics, software & ICT, sustainable development and renewable technologies.

The Director of South West College, Malachy McAleer, emphasised the importance of the collaborative partnership.

"The South West College is working with Letterkenny and Sligo Institutes of Technology, Fermanagh District Council, UK Building Research Establishment; Enterprise Agencies, INI, industry and other stakeholders to promote sustainability within the ICBAN region of Fermanagh, Tyrone, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Armagh, Cavan, Monaghan.

"The concept of sustainability of the rural region will be underpinned by innovation within the opportunities provided by the local industries and how they avail of technologies associated with the renewable energy and low carbon developments," he said.

(BMcC/GK)