During a visit to Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork (UCC) to mark the start of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, confirmed a major enlargement of the institute, underscoring Ireland's ambitions in research, innovation and semiconductors.

The Government has signed off on the required exchequer funding, and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has authorised UCC to proceed to contract with the preferred construction partner.

The project will more than double Tyndall's physical footprint through a new 17,500 square metre, cutting-edge building adjacent to the current institute in Cork.

Planned features include advanced laboratories, specialist research facilities, collaborative innovation areas and upgraded spaces to engage with industry partners, start-ups and enterprise clients. Delivery is targeted for Q4 2028.

Speaking in Cork, the Taoiseach said: "This major investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring Ireland remains at the forefront of research, innovation and advanced technology. Tyndall National Institute is a nationally significant asset that plays a critical role in connecting world-class research with industry and enterprise. This expansion will strengthen Ireland's position in strategically important sectors, including semiconductors, and support economic growth and job creation for years to come."

Minister James Lawless TD said: "Today's announcement is another important step in delivering on Ireland's ambition to be a global leader in research and innovation. Funded through the Government's INSPIRE programme, this investment will expand Tyndall's world-class research infrastructure and strengthen Ireland's capabilities in strategically important areas such as semiconductors and digital technologies.

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"Tyndall has built an outstanding reputation for translating research excellence into real-world impact through strong partnerships with industry and academia. This investment will build on that success, supporting new collaborations, developing talent and creating opportunities for innovation that will benefit our economy and society for years to come."

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said: "I welcome today's announcement of the major expansion plan for Tyndall National Institute. It marks another step forward in delivering Silicon Island: Ireland's National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to strengthen our research capacity, develop a robust national talent pipeline and deepen industry partnerships across the semiconductor sector.

"Tyndall already makes a significant contribution to Ireland's RD&I capability and competitiveness within the semiconductor ecosystem, a sector of strategic importance to both Ireland and the EU. This investment will cement Ireland's position as a European and global leader in semiconductor RD&I, spanning the full value chain and supporting the use of semiconductors to drive the green and digital transitions."

President of UCC Professor John O'Halloran said: "This investment aligns with our ambitious UCC Futures strategy, in which Quantum and Photonics forms a key pillar. We are deeply appreciative of the Government's support for this vision, which will attract the very best global talent to develop the next generation of semiconductor technology in a world-class facility here at UCC in Cork."

Founded in 2004 as a partnership between the Irish Government and UCC, Tyndall is Ireland's largest dedicated research institute and among Europe's leading centres for information and communications technology research.

The institute is central to Ireland's semiconductor ecosystem, collaborating with leading global technology firms and a wide range of Irish enterprises. It also develops highly skilled researchers and graduates, supporting the sector's talent pipeline.

The expansion responds to rising demand for Tyndall's facilities and expertise. Capacity limits at the current site have increasingly constrained growth opportunities, particularly as Ireland seeks to build on strengths in semiconductors and other deep-tech fields.

Professor William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall, said: "This investment marks a major milestone for Tyndall and for Ireland's wider research and innovation landscape. It reflects the Government's strong commitment to ensuring Ireland remains globally competitive in strategically important areas such as semiconductors and advanced technologies.

"Tyndall's campus expansion is a key pillar of our Tyndall 2030 strategy and underpins our ambition to strengthen Europe's leadership?in light of?the proposed EU tech sovereignty package, including Chips Act 2.0. By significantly expanding our capacity, this new facility will support future growth, deepen our engagement with industry and enterprise, and strengthen Ireland's ability to develop the talent and research excellence needed to drive economic impact and long-term resilience."

The new building will add essential research infrastructure to support future expansion, reinforcing Tyndall's role as a national focal point for research, innovation and industry collaboration. The initiative aligns with institutional, regional, national and international strategies, supporting enterprise development, competitiveness and the continued growth of Ireland's higher education and research system.

Construction is expected to begin once the contract is finalised, with the project representing one of the most significant investments in Irish research infrastructure in recent years.