On Wednesday, 19th June 2019 ArcLabs Research and Innovation Centre will host an open night to give ambitious entrepreneurs an opportunity to learn about the NDRC at ArcLabs accelerator programme.

The focus of the event will be for budding entrepreneurs to hear about hear about the real-life experiences of past participants of the programme as well as one of the investors.

Aisling O’Neill, ArcLabs Manager, commented, “We are so excited to meet all the ambitious entrepreneurs who are ready to drive their businesses to the next level on the NDRC at ArcLabs accelerator programme. It is fantastic for the South East to have the NDRC accelerator here with programmes like this instrumental to driving the entrepreneurial pipeline for the region and ensuring we have a strong ecosystem of innovative companies here”.

This is the second year of the programme and the NDRC at ArcLabs is seeking early-stage digital technology businesses who are motivated to accelerate their businesses to the next level. This is a very competitive programme and companies who are awarded a place on the programme receive the following:

• Investment of €75,000, €50,000 of which is cash
• Three months working alongside startups, innovators and investors
• Expert mentorship from industry experts
• Weekly workshops and networking
• The opportunity to build your connections with the investment community

Register here for your free place: https://www.ndrc.ie/news-events/event/ndrc-at-arclabs-open-night

Don’t worry if you can’t attend the open night. You can book a meeting with the venture leads during their ‘Office Hours’ which are being held all over the region. To learn more, book Office Hours slots and apply for the NDRC at ArcLabs accelerator, check out the website: https://www.ndrc.ie/looking-for-investment/what-we-offer-startups/regional-accelerators-waterford-arclabs

The chairman and board of Waterford Airport today (11th June 2019) warmly welcomed the announcement of funding approval by Government for the lengthening and widening of the airport’s runway.

This investment will secure the future of Waterford Airport and allow it to compete for international carriers using jet engine aircraft.

Work will commence immediately on progressing the runway extension and a planning application will be lodged for the extension of the northern end and the runway widening. Planning permission is already in place for extension of the southern end.

Funding from a combination of private investors, local authorities and the Government will deliver the additional infrastructure subject to the agreement of existing airport shareholders at an EGM to be held shortly. The proposal is also subject formal approval by the local authorities in Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny.

Dan Browne, chairman of Waterford Airport, said: “The extension of the runway at Waterford Airport is a game-changer for the future of Waterford Airport and the southeast region we serve. It represents a departure in regional aviation in Ireland with the private sector and local authorities acting in partnership to bring a new commercial focus to airport operations.

The investment by the private sector of €5m is also a first in regional aviation in Ireland and the bringing together of aviation and construction expertise in the form of Conor McCarthy of Leadcom Ltd and Noel Frisby of Frisby Construction, along with strong international enterprises from the region in the form of Glanbia, Coolmore Stud, Waterford Distillery, Dawn Meats and Stafford Wholesale represents a new focus on the future commercial viability of the Airport.”

Cllr John Pratt, Mayor of Waterford, also welcomed the announcement: “Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford local authorities have long argued that a viable regional airport is vital for the region. The funding of the runway extension is a further boost to the momentum being generated in the economy of Waterford and the southeast as a whole.

“We can now look forward to the airport contributing positively to economic activity in the region, through its services to the public and business alike. We especially welcome the contribution the airport can make to inbound tourism and believe the new entity can bring further exposure and access for visitors to the wonderful landscape, heritage assets and  amenities available in this beautiful corner of the world.”

Waterford Institute of Technology’s new Part-time/Flexible Handbook 2019 will be launched at the institute’s Springboard, Part-time & Postgrad Information Evening.

The handbook lists course options available in BioPharma Manufacturing, Computing, Childcare, Further Education, Social Studies and Humanities amongst other areas. Information will also be available on the range of new Springboard courses on offer at WIT for 2019/2020 as well as a range of postgraduate courses – many available to study part-time or with flexible ways of learning.

People interested in changing their careers or upskilling have a choice of night courses, online courses, and blended courses to choose from the Springboard, Part-time & Postgrad Information Evening at WIT on Wednesday, 12th June from 5pm-7pm is the perfect chance to explore the options.

Courses include: Business Systems Analysis, the online Computer Science programme, Fire Engineering; Construction Site Management; Pharmaceutical Technology; Advanced Drug Formulation Science (Postgraduate), Automation Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Data Analytics (Postgraduate), NZEB Design (Postgraduate), Lean Fundamentals, Supervisory Practice, Digital Marketing Practice, and Culinary Arts.

Neil Quinlan, Head of the Department of Lifelong Learning at WIT welcomed the recent Springboard announcement of courses which focus on future-proofing the skills of people already in employment.

“Ireland is investing heavily in adult education and upskilling the workforce. With the march of technology and Ireland’s commitment to UN sustainable development goals (one of which is inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all) the Government’s continued support in the funding of Springboard programmes is very welcome. Springboard has broadened eligibility criteria beyond jobseekers to people returning to work outside the home and people in employment. It gives people interested in upskilling or changing career a chance to do so for free.”

The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. and the Minister of State for Training, Skills Innovation, Research and Development John Halligan T.D. launched the new suite of courses under Springboard+ 2019 in May.

Minister McHugh said: “Springboard+ training programmes provide people who are unemployed, those looking to return to the workforce and those in employment with a great opportunity to upskill or reskill in areas in which employers need skilled workers.”

Minister Halligan commented: “I am particularly pleased to see that almost 90% of the courses provided under Springboard+ 2019 will be delivered in a more flexible format, which aligns with the continued opening-up of courses to learners, irrespective of their employment status. As well as aiding participation for those in employment, increased provision will allow people from all across the country to access programmes in regions other than where they reside.”

Candidates who wish to participate in Springboard+ 2019 will find full details on the approved courses on the dedicated information and applications website www.springboardcourses.ie

Springboard+ courses are free for people who are unemployed, those who were previously self-employed and returners to the workforce. Courses are also free for people in employment, on NFQ Level 6 courses. For employed participants on courses NFQ level 7 – 9, 90% of the course fee is funded by the Government, with participants required to contribute just 10% of the fee.

A competitive rental market means that there is once again a demand for ‘digs’ where homeowners rent out rooms to students.

Householders with a room to rent are invited to advertise early on the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) StudentPad platform.

WIT Novus, which runs WIT’s student accommodation has invested in a new website to help connect people who want to rent rooms as well as landlords wishing to advertise directly to students.

Derek Delaney, WIT’s Accommodation Manager says that there is a demand for lodging and digs in Waterford – including students who want a room weeknights while their course runs, international students here for one semester, and apprenticeship students.

While college doesn’t start back till September people are exploring accommodation options ahead of 1 July CAO deadline.

“We invite both landlords with properties to rent and individuals with a room to rent to sign up and advertise their properties earlier rather than later over the summer.”

He adds that international students like to have accommodation booked before they arrive in Ireland, and returning students often like to have their accommodation confirmed over the summer.

“There will be huge interest by the time of the Leaving Cert results in mid-August,” Darren Malone, Welfare Officer at Waterford Institute of Technology Students' Union (WITSU) says. “The StudentPad website gives homeowners, landlords, and people looking for a flatmate or housemate a chance to avail of the country’s rent a room scheme which allows people to rent a room in their home and earn €14,000 a year tax free.”

“It could also be a great way to have company if you’re on your own or have a large, empty house. Many international students are here for just a semester, and this is a great way to introduce your family to different cultures, and make new friends,” Malone explains.

Homeowners who would like to try out renting a room can give it a go for one semester – orientation for first year and international students is from the start of September onwards. There’s a one-week study break in October, and classes traditionally finish in early December before exams. It’s mid-January before semester 2 begins.

People with a room to rent in Waterford can advertise on WIT’s newly-launched website witstudentpad.ie.

Students can also register and get property alerts emailed directly to them whenever accommodation becomes available that matches what they are looking for.

Traditionally two thirds of WIT graduates hail from the south east, with many commuting by public transport or by car. Still there is demand from different types of students seeking to rent a room for short periods of time: first years finding their feet, international students studying for a semester in Ireland and apprentices on block study at WIT.

“If you let a room in your home, the income you receive may be exempt from tax. The annual exemption limit for 2019 is €14,000. The relief can apply to lettings to students for an academic year or semester, including traditional ‘digs’ lettings,” Malone says.

The next steps for anybody interested are to look at the rent-a-room-relief on the Revenue website and start adding their room/property to https://www.witstudentpad.ie/Landlords

Superhuman: genetic modification, designer babies, bionics, prolonging life and accelerating evolution under the microscope for Robert Boyle Summer School June 20 to 23

The centuries-old fascination with prolonging human life and today’s technologies and science that allow greater health, strength and mental function will be under the microscope as researchers and medical experts gather with members of the public for a lively discussion about the opportunities and problems of what was once science fiction but is now becoming possible.

‘Superhuman’ is the theme for this year’s Robert Boyle Summer School which runs in Waterford city and Lismore from June 20 to 23. It will demonstrate how Science and Technology is catching up with mythology and we are now poised to create Superhumans.

The gathering will consider the possibilities and perils of human modification and performance enhancement. Leading experts will also explore genetic modification, designer babies, bionics, prolonging life and implications for humanity.

Among this year’s expert contributors and participants are Prof Niall Moyna, known for his work with television shows, Operation Transformation and Doctor in the House, as well as regular radio show contributor, Prof Luke O’Neill.

“The Robert Boyle Summer School celebrates the life and work of Ireland’s most important scientist, Robert Boyle, and is Ireland’s only summer school for adults addressing science and culture, organiser, Eoin Gill, says.

“We have a major crisis in today’s world with misinformation, fake news and populism drowning out evidence and reason. Society was happy to leave science to the scientists and scientists were quite happy with that too.

“Now, the public want to know more about science and what it will deliver for them and scientists want to engage with the public in an accessible way. The Robert Boyle Summer School was established as a meeting place where experts and the general public can meet and learn from each other. It is the only festival of its type in Ireland.”

The engaging Robert Boyle Summer School programme, which is booking up fast on here and on www.robertboyle.ie, includes the perfect mix of interesting talks, panel discussions and debate as well as social events. The highlight will be a garden party in stunning Lismore Castle, the birthplace of Robert Boyle with baroque music, local artisan food by Eunice Power and Robert Boyle Gin cocktails from the local Blackwater Distillery.

“Our Summer School is a must for adults interested in engaging with new ideas in history, science and culture and in discussion in a friendly, relaxed setting. Human evolution by natural selection is a long and slow process. But we now have knowledge and technologies that can enable us to make greater advances in human health, intelligence, performance and longevity than ever before.

“Robert Boyle was the most influential scientist of his time back in the 17th Century. He compiled a list of things that he thought science might deliver. Many of the items on the list have been delivered by science. Many represent the interest of the times and many are related to enhancement of human life and performance. The first on his list is the ‘prolongation of life’– a preoccupation of sentient humans through history. Even though average life expectancy has doubled since Boyle’s time, it is still a preoccupation,” Gill revealed.

The four day programme opens with a fascinating talk by Prof Annraoi de Paor on Superhumans in Ancient Irish folklore: the career of Lugh Lámhfhada. It also includes a talk with Dr Natalie Kaoukji, Cambridge University, on what prolonging life might have in common with mechanical flight or breathing under water. Artist Nuala Clarke will relate how her latest exhibition was inspired by Boyle’s writing and experiments on colour.

Prof Luke O’Neill, author of critically acclaimed book “Humanology”, will explain how a new technique CRISPR can alter the genes in a cell making it possible to change traits in human embryos to eliminate genetic defects but also makes it possible to select for other “desirable” traits.

The title of Prof. Niall Moyna’s talk is ‘Stone Age Genes and Space Age Technology – the Impact on Human Health’ and he will examine how despite extended longevity and medical advances our lifestyles are making us sick and explain how advances in smart phone technology have the capacity to deliver a new medical revolution.

Prof Tomás Ryan will probe the future of human evolution, while Dr Oliver Feeney will look at the ethical, legal and societal issues involved in genetic engineering. Robotic limbs, bionic eyes, exoskeletons, electronic nerve implants and brain-computer interfaces are being developed to assist the ill and infirm. Prof Madeleine Lowery will look at these technologies and consider what they will deliver.

The coordinators, Calmast, Waterford Institute of Technolgy’s science engagement centre, will also continue the school’s tradition of recreating Boyle’s original experiments.

The annual cultural Summer School was established in 2012 and is organised by Calmast at Waterford Institute of Technology and Lismore Heritage Centre, with support of Lismore Castle, the Robert Boyle Foundation, interested groups and professional bodies and industry in the region.

One of Waterford’s best small businesses, VirtualVet, was awarded the accolade of being the overall Regional (South) winner at the National Enterprise Awards which took place on May 29th at Dublin’s Mansion House.

Run by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in the local authorities nationwide, the National Enterprise Awards are in their 21st year and offer an investment prize fund of €40,000 and featured businesses from a variety of sectors.

VirtualVet, an innovative GDPR compliant data management company, founded by Sinead Quealy, was named as Waterford’s Enterprise winner in March and represented the county at the recent National Enterprise Awards.

In 2017, the WIT graduate, after observing the implications and increased risks posed to human health by the overuse of antibiotics in animal farming, established VirtualVet.

The company tracks drug usage in animals in the food chain and reduces the risk of misuse and overuse of animal remedies in food production. The data management company records dosages for famers, reports to the agri-food and animal health industries and monitors for agencies such as Bord Bia and the Food Safety Authority.

Richie Walsh, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford, congratulated VirtualVet on their national win. “The National Enterprise Awards are very much a benchmark for excellence for small businesses across the country. Sinead and the team at VirtualVet have demonstrated their calibre, innovation and resourcefulness and are very deserving winners of the national title.”

“Since VirtualVet was established only a few years ago it has made massive inroads in reducing the overuse of animal remedies in food production. This is a huge advance as the risks posed to human health by overuse of antibiotics in animal farming can be quite significant.”

“As part of the National Enterprise Awards, VirtualVet availed of mentoring and guidance to generate connections and leads from other businesses along the way. They also receive signposting for their business helping them to move their company forward. Those who do take part always see the benefit, with previous winners employing over 830 people and exporting across the world with annual revenues in excess of €130million.”

The National Enterprise Awards are one of several initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE). The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception five years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 18,000 jobs across the country.

If your business in pre-start, start-up or established business phase and would like to find out more about what business support services are available from LEO Waterford visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/

Green Acre Marketing, a Waterford-based marketing, advertising and PR agency has announced a major expansion with the opening of a new office in Dublin.

This has been facilitated by a significant investment in the business by the founder of Dublin-based media company, AgriLand. The aim is now to expand the team and open an office in Dublin in 2019.

Green Acre Marketing has developed into a substantial business over the last five years, providing marketing services specifically to the agribusiness sector.

Commenting on the move, Green Acre Marketing’s Waterford-based founder and managing director Aileen Barron said: “An exciting future lies ahead for Green Acre Marketing and its people. Growing a business is never without its challenges, but I am excited about entering this new chapter.

“We have had amazing support from our current clients, some of whom have been with us from the beginning. The future is about adding more value and resources to these clients, while looking to the future within the agribusiness and food industry,” she said.

It was also recently announced that Kilkenny native, Lisa Dunphy, has returned to Green Acre Marketing as its senior account director.

“We are delighted to have Lisa back on the team. After gaining substantial experience and insight in the FinTech industry, Lisa will bring a whole new outlook and vision to the future of Green Acre Marketing.

Over the coming weeks Green Acre Marketing will open a new office in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, with key personnel set to be located between its capital-based and Waterford offices.

“Strategic marketing planning, offline marketing, PR and event management will continue to be the core services provided at Green Acre Marketing - however, digital marketing and content creation will now also be a strong focus for the business.

“This means that Green Acre Marketing will be the only agency in the country with the ability to provide digital marketing to the agri sector at such a level,” said Aileen.

Commenting on his move to back Green Acre Marketing, Cormac Farrelly stated: “I have huge admiration for the work that Green Acre Marketing has carried out for many agribusinesses - both in Ireland and further afield.

“The professionalism and knowledge displayed by its team over the last five years is unparalleled in my view.

“Farming and farmers have evolved. Many businesses that provide services to both farmers and consumers are responding to that shift.

“This has put a renewed focus on marketing and branding for these companies. Aileen and the team are leading this evolution with their intimate understanding of both traditional and digital media,” he said.

Farrelly is otherwise known as managing director at AgriLand; Ireland’s largest agricultural news publisher.

With expertise at farm and corporate level, Green Acre Marketing has an extensive understanding of the agribusiness sector and its target market.

“We are a fully-integrated agency with a strong team of marketing and media experts, all with one passion in common - our love of agriculture and food.

“Over the years, we have had the pleasure of working with companies that are at the backbone of the Irish agribusiness landscape, while also supporting some of the largest international brands across the globe,” Aileen concluded.

Waterford Country Fair is back for a 5th successive year and runs again at stunning Curraghmore House & Gardens, the ancestral home of Lord and Lady Waterford in Portlaw, Co Waterford, on Sunday, June 9, with festivities kicking off from 10am.

The family-focused, fun-filled, day-long Fair celebrates all that is great about country life and living. Top class attractions include equestrian events and Cossack shows with the internationally-renowned Zcossacks team which has performed in Dubai, Australia and elsewhere around the world.

This year, the voluntary organising team has joined forces with Waterford Hospice and Fair-goers are invited to Buy a Brick and support the Hospice’s fundraising drive to help finance a 20 bed Palliative Care Unit on the grounds of University Hospital Waterford.

There’s live music and children’s entertainment, artisan food and the biggest ever craft display, a massive pet dog show, train rides through the grounds, tips from the experts on how to care for pets, poultry and so much more. Side saddle, Irish Pony Show, Show Jumping, Pony Games and hound classes begin from 10am, chief organiser, Joe Breheny, explained.

“We’re really excited about this year’s programme of events and have added even more family-focused attractions. We’ve The Moon and Sixpence Puppet Theatre, Ireland’s only travelling
marionette (string puppet) theatre. The Cossacks are back and we’ve loads for all the family to see and do. We’re delighted to team up with Waterford Hospice and hope to raise significant funds for their building programme. It’s great that funds raised locally will stay local,” she said.

Waterford Hospice cares for up to 120 patients per month in Waterford & South Kilkenny.  A small army of loyal volunteers and supporters helps raise as much as €8,000 a week, every single week, to help fund its invaluable work.

Waterford Hospice has also pledged €6 million towards the cost of building a dedicated 20 bed Palliative Care Unit in the grounds of University Hospital Waterford.  The contractors have been on site since April 2017and the state of the art Palliative Care Unit is on schedule for completion in 2019.

Admission is €10 for adults, €5 for children and family concessions available.

For more, check out https://www.facebook.com/Waterford-Country-Fair-712555788872303/

Eight national schools from Waterford City and County recently took part in the Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) LEAP programme, in conjunction with Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

The programme saw 4th and 5th class students from Gael Scoil Philib Barún, Butlerstown NS, ChristChurch NS, Waterpark NS, St. Stephen’s De La Salle, St. Paul’s NS, Faithlegg NS and Abbeyside NS embarking on an early stage entrepreneurship journey that lasted several months and culminated in them pitching their business ideas at WIT’s School of Business.

The LEAP programme was developed by JAI and Local Enterprise Office Waterford in 2014 and has harnessed strong partnerships between leading organisations and schools. Designed to encourage ‘early-stage entrepreneurship’ with national school students, this year’s programme saw the students mentored by local business volunteers.

Volunteers Laura Caulfield (Manor St. John), Peter Barry (Waterford Credit Union), Danielle Kennedy (Lloyds Hair), Claire Coppinger (Bluefin), Christine Rossiter (Dawn Meats), Helen Payne (ORAFOL), Laura McGibney (Coaching4U) and Regina Mangan (Liberty Blue) delivered a series of activity-based enterprise education workshops in the eight schools to help the students develop their business ideas.

The two-day event was opened by Minister John Halligan TD, Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation, “Initiatives such as the LEAP Project are essential for fostering entrepreneurial attitudes and skills in the Waterford area, which will help to ensure Ireland continues to be one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world.”

“We must support young people to acquire the skills and confidence they need so that they can face any challenge and shape their careers in the future world of work. I commend Junior Achievement and Waterford Local Enterprise Office for such a wonderful initiative.”

The students pitched their business ideas to local businesspeople, who were FROGS for a day (For Recognition of Greatness in Students). All students were awarded a Certificate of Achievement to recognise their participation and one team in each school was given a special plaque to mark their outstanding contribution to LEAP.

Jacqui Gaule of LEO Waterford said “This is our fourth year supporting the LEAP initiative and the levels of enthusiasm, dedication and entrepreneurship displayed by the students is so refreshing. For LEO Waterford, an agency tasked with encouraging, nurturing and supporting entrepreneurship, it is great to see the seeds of enterprise been sown at such an early age and as part of primary schools’ curricular activities.”

“We are delighted to work with Junior Achievement Ireland on this wonderful project, as it continues to foster the spirit of enterprise to Waterford’s young students.”

Denise Power, JAI Area Manager, South East said: “We are delighted to partner with LEO Waterford and local businesses on the LEAP project. It is a fantastic journey for students to learn the basics of entrepreneurship and develop their own business ideas with the support of entrepreneurs from the local community.”

“These mentors have shared their own real-life experiences with the students and inspired and motivated them to become future entrepreneurs in the making. The students’ visit to WIT was a wonderful opportunity for them to pitch their ideas to business professionals for the first time outside the classroom and see how products could enter the market and impact their local community.”

A new digital innovation hub in Kilkenny City can drive the digital transformation of Europe's Agri-Food sector, boosting innovation and growth in the region, while burnishing Ireland’s global leadership in agricultural technology, according to EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan.

Speaking at the launch of the Precision Agriculture Centre of Excellence (PACE), Commissioner Hogan said: "This impressive new hub gives Ireland’s agri-tech companies, most of them SMEs and micro-enterprises, direct access to best-in-class technologies and research, as well as cascade funding.

 “Smart use of knowledge, research and innovation is the main source of productivity growth in the EU agri-food sector. The digitisation of the European economy requires the full integration of digital innovations across all sectors of the economy, including agriculture and food.

“Precision Agriculture has never been more important in an industry facing challenges posed by climate change, ecosystem degradation and world population growth, as well as the growing need to produce more, using less. With facilities like PACE, we are building a network of digital innovation hubs across Europe to accelerate this digital transformation.

“PACE is an excellent strategic fit for the South-East region where agriculture accounts for 43% of total employment. This, coupled with the presence of leading global agri-food companies headquartered in the region and a growing base of agri-tech companies, confirms the pivotal role PACE can play in growing the region’s economy,” Commissioner Hogan said.

Waterford Institute of Technology President, Prof. Willie Donnelly, said: “PACE is an initiative of the TSSG at Waterford Institute of Technology and will leverage the Institute’s leadership in agriculture and Information Technology research and innovation.  It is an important next step in the Institute’s research and innovation centre which was established in St Kieran College in 2011. It will close the gap between research and deployment, with a focus on using existing technologies which are often deployed in other sectors.

 “PACE will serve agri-food processors, farm advisory services, companies selling services and products to the agri sector, and agri-tech SME’s and start-ups and rural-based industries which have the potential to transform into higher technology and higher value businesses. PACE will also serve regulatory, compliance and policy authorities by providing a technology resource to support their mission,” he added.

While the potential of ICT in agriculture is recognised, no single ICT-agricultural focused centre in Ireland is capable of identifying these advanced ICT solutions, Prof.  Donnelly added. “A large amount of ICT research taking place in Irish and international research centres is fragmented and not ready for immediate and easy adoption by the agricultural industry.

“PACE will have the capability to identify existing technologies which are of interest to the sector - including the Internet of Things, Big Data, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence - and assess their suitability for deployment in the Irish agricultural sector.

"PACE will also build connections between technology providers and Agri-Tech firms. It will also investigate and help to secure national and international R&D funding to support technology integration and development,” Prof. Donnelly added.

Kilkenny County Council have been a proactive stakeholder in the development of PACE from the outset and will sit on the PACE advisory committee. Council Chief Executive, Colette Byrne, said: “PACE will provide a cornerstone for the development of an Agri-tech cluster at The Abbey Quarter where industry and academics will work hand in hand. By scouting for technologies across the entire third level sector, PACE will provide an opportunity to commercialise those technologies that have potential for deployment in the agricultural sector and grow its presence not just in Kilkenny but across Europe.”