- From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 13 January 2026
Minister James Lawless says investment will drive Ireland’s leadership in semiconductor research and accelerate ambitions to become a ‘Silicon Ireland’
The Government today approved a major expansion of Tyndall National Institute, marking a decisive step in advancing Ireland’s ambition to lead globally in semiconductor research, innovation and advanced manufacturing. The Tyndall expansion is also the first major project to be delivered under Minister Lawless’ landmark research infrastructure and talent investment programme, INSPIRE.
Announcing the decision, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, whose department is leading this critical project, said:
“Today’s decision marks a milestone for Ireland’s tech future. This investment of over €100 million under the National Development Plan will significantly strengthen Ireland’s global position in cutting‑edge semiconductor research and innovation, and it will be central to driving forward our ambition to become a true Silicon Ireland.
“This expansion will reinforce Tyndall’s role as a vital bridge between world‑leading research and a dynamic, fast‑growing semiconductor industry. It will support breakthroughs in AI, quantum technologies and next‑generation computing – delivering economic growth, creating high‑skilled jobs and advancing Ireland’s wider knowledge‑economy ambitions.”
The Minister went on to say:
“This project is a powerful example of collaboration between Government, UCC and Tyndall. It is a key component of the third pillar of the INSPIRE programme – our major national investment in research infrastructure and talent – which I launched with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in November 2025.”
Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD added:
“I am delighted to support the expansion of Tyndall National Institute, a key element of our national semiconductor infrastructure.
“Tyndall’s expansion is one of the key objectives of Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, namely to build on our strong semiconductor ecosystem. Tyndall already contributes enormously to Ireland’s RDI and competitiveness in the semiconductor sector, a strategically important sector for Ireland and the EU.
“This expansion is a major step in further realising our ambitions to strengthen our research capacity, promoting a robust national talent pipeline and industry partnerships in the semiconductor sector. It will help cement Ireland as a global research and innovation leader across the semiconductor value chain and in the application of semiconductors in the green and digital transitions.”
The expansion programme will double the physical size and footprint of TNI, with today’s decision paving the way for a joint funding mechanism between the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and University College Cork allowing the project to progress under the relevant capital development governance structures within UCC.
In welcoming the decision, Professor John O’Halloran, President of University College Cork, said:
“As one of Ireland’s leading research-intensive institutions, Quantum and Photonics forms a key pillar of UCC’s ambitious Futures strategy. This investment today in Tyndall aligns with this vision and allows us to attract global talent who will develop the next generation of semiconductor technology, driving economic growth within a world-class facility. We are deeply appreciative of this support and endorsement of our plans for the future.”
The expansion project will be delivered over a three-year period, representing a significant investment in research infrastructure under the National Development Plan.
Tyndall CEO, Professor William Scanlon, highlighted that:
“The Government’s support for the Tyndall North Mall Expansion is transformative for Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem. It is an instrumental step in realising Ireland’s ambition under ‘Silicon Island’ the National Semiconductor Strategy. This new world-class research facility will enable Tyndall’s growth for the future and deliver greater economic impact, an expanded talent pipeline, and strengthen Europe’s strategic resilience in this critical sector.”
The project will
- Strengthen Ireland’s national research infrastructure in semiconductors and related technologies
- Support balanced regional growth by expanding research capacity and capability
- Increase research impact, enterprise engagement and international competitiveness
- Underpin industrial development in key enabling technologies that drive advances in computing, artificial intelligence and communications – linchpins of the knowledge economy.