Ireland secures further €300 million from EU business and research fund

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Irish researchers, businesses and educational institutions are set to receive another €300 million from the EU as part of the FP7 fund, before 2013. That’s according to Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton

The Minister and EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Maire Geoghegan-Quinnwere today held an event to highlight opportunities for Irish researchers, businesses and educational institutions under the EU programme. The event brought together representatives from Ireland’s business, research and educational community.

Bruton said: “I have consistently said that if we are to get out of this crisis and create the growth and jobs we so badly need, we must focus on reducing business costs; improving access to finance; and encouraging R&D and innovation. This €55 billion EU fund is a fantastic resource for people and organisations involved in R&D across the continent, and I am delighted to see that we in Ireland have taken full advantage by drawing down €300 million since 2007.”

Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn added: “Upcoming FP7 calls in July 2011 and July 2012, will be worth approximated €18 billion, with some 15% earmarked for SMEs. The breadth of sectors covered by FP7 includes agriculture, fishing, food, bio-technology, nano-technology, climate change, environmental services, transport, health, energy, information communication and technology, new materials, security and space.

“Ireland’s continued strong participation will contribute to transforming the EU into an Innovation Union by 2020. We need to properly use new research that we develop so that we can create novel goods and services that the people will use, improve our quality of life and build a better society both in Ireland and in a European context.”

Niall Kitson

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