DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed the awarding of the construction contract for the Ruminant Emissions Research Facility (RERF) at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute's Hillsborough site.

The Department is investing £8 million in the project, described as a major step in Northern Ireland's efforts to cut agricultural emissions while supporting sustainable livestock production.

The RERF will allow scientists to measure greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from cattle under controlled conditions. The evidence generated will underpin mitigation research and inform national inventories, helping Northern Ireland meet its climate targets.

Construction is due to get under way early this month, marking a key milestone in delivering the strategically important facility.

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Minister Andrew Muir said: "I welcome that a contractor has been appointed and construction will soon be underway. This facility will support scientists develop innovative, low carbon farming practices with reduced ammonia emissions strengthening environmental outcomes whilst sustaining the productivity and economic resilience of our agri-food sector.

"This investment highlights our continued support for AFBI's research and its critical role in informing policy and driving innovation across the sector."

Prof Elizabeth Magowan, Director of AFBI Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences, said: "The Ruminant Emissions Research Facility represents a strategically important addition to AFBI's research infrastructure. It will provide a unique, specialist platform that bridges the gap between detailed laboratory studies and commercial farm systems, enabling us to deliver world class leading science that supports innovation and sustainability across the agri-food sector."

E Quinn Civils Ltd has been appointed as the contractor following a competitive procurement process through the Department of Finance's Construction and Procurement Delivery.

The build is expected to last 13 months, with handover scheduled for August 2027.