Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin has announced the allocation of €40 million to four government departments for science research.
The funding, which comes under the new National Development Plan (NDP), has been allocated to the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Department of Environment and Local Government and also the Department of Health.
The money will made available for public sector research across a range of areas covering agriculture, food, health, marine, energy and the environment.
Speaking today, Minister Martin said that Ireland had established itself as a major global base for companies which are pushing back the frontiers in areas such as technology, medicine, pharmaceuticals and the agri-sector.
"It is important that we keep our competitive edge, and having a properly funded Science, Technology and Innovation strategy is key. The funding I am now releasing will be used over the next two years and is part of the €8.2bn allocated to my Department for such initiatives under the NDP," said Martin.