€1.4 million I-Lofar Station in Birr to boost Midlands economy – Corcoran Kennedy

Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has warmly welcomed the announcement by Minister Richard Bruton that €1.4 million has been awarded for the construction of an I-Lofar station in Birr this year.

“The funding –announced at a special ceremony in Birr Castle – has been allocated from Science Foundation Ireland, and will be a major boost to the Midlands economy. Having worked closely behind the scenes to bring a radio telescope to Birr, I am very pleased that this investment is to take place”, said Deputy Corcoran Kennedy.

Acknowledging the role played by Deputy Corcoran Kennedy, the head of the I-Lofar Consortium, Professor Peter Gallagher, said the local Fine Gael Deputy has “worked tirelessly at both local, national and international level” to highlight the importance of the I-Lofar project to the Midlands.

“Not only has Deputy Corcoran Kennedy worked very closely with the Consortium and all other interested parties, but she also organised and led a high-level delegation to the European Parliament to highlight the educational and economic importance of I-Lofar to the Midlands” said Professor Gallagher.

Deputy Corcoran Kennedy said:

“The radio telescope will be located in the grounds of Birr Castle and as well as providing an economic, educational and tourist boost to Birr and the wider Midlands, there will be an opportunity to improve broadband speeds in Birr as a result of this announcement and it is hoped that there will be increased opportunities for Birr Technology Centre.

“There are plans to strongly promote the I-Lofar project both domestically and internationally to the wider science community as well as to tourists and educational establishments, and also to construct a Visitor Centre on the site of the radio telescope.

“I am absolutely delighted with this announcement after all the hard work and time invested by me and many parties, and I have no doubt that the I-Lofar Station will place Birr firmly on the international map as a top-class destination for science enthusiasts and tourists alike, as well as providing huge economic benefits to the local community.”