The Science Foundation Ireland has allocated €1.4 million funding to develop an I-Lofar station in Birr, Co Offaly.

Head of the I-Lofar Consortium, Professor Peter Gallagher, said Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has "worked tirelessly" to highlight the importance of the project.

He said: "Not only has Deputy Corcoran Kennedy worked very closely with the Consortium and all other interested parties, but she also organised and led a high-level delegation to the European Parliament to highlight the educational and economic importance of I-Lofar to the Midlands” said Professor Gallagher.

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Deputy Corcoran Kennedy welcomed the announcement.

"The radio telescope will be located in the grounds of Birr Castle and as well as providing an economic, educational and tourist boost to Birr and the wider Midlands, there will be an opportunity to improve broadband speeds in Birr as a result of this announcement and it is hoped that there will be increased opportunities for Birr Technology Centre.

"There are plans to strongly promote the I-Lofar project both domestically and internationally to the wider science community as well as to tourists and educational establishments, and also to construct a Visitor Centre on the site of the radio telescope."

(CD/MH)