As much as €1.25 billion is available to the Government under the EU Horizon 2020 programme so that key research projects can be carried out over the next seven years presenting “great opportunities” for third level colleges, including Athlone Institute of Technology, and businesses in the Midlands, according to MEP for Midlands-North West Pat The Cope Gallagher.
EU Horizon 2020 programme, which is worth €80 billion between the period 2014 to 2020, supports research and innovation activities in the areas of new technologies including agriculture, food, transport, health, energy, marine, and environmental services.
“The EU Horizon 2020 programme will offer great opportunities to Irish colleges and businesses, including those in the Midlands, to draw down funding for research activities,” said Mr Gallagher.
Mr Gallagher is calling on the Government to “take an ambitious approach over the next seven years in order to maximise our share of the funding under this important EU programme by drawing down as much as €1.25 billion for the period 2014 to 2020”.
“Up to €572 million has been secured by Irish universities, third level colleges and Irish businesses during the period 2007 to 2013. Nearly €100 million of this figure has been used by small and medium sized companies alone. Horizon 2020 will help to create high quality jobs in Ireland across a range of different economic sectors. Engaging in this programme to a greater extent will support sustainable economic recovery in Ireland,” said Mr Gallagher, before adding: “Horizon 2020 is a good programme for Irish colleges, for multi-national companies based in Ireland, and for Irish SMEs.”
