The government has approved a major expansion of Tyndall National Institute, a move higher education minister James Lawless says will strengthen Ireland’s position in semiconductor research and accelerate the national ambition to build a ‘Silicon Ireland’.
The project marks a significant milestone in advancing Ireland’s leadership in semiconductor innovation and advanced manufacturing and is the first flagship development to progress under Minister Lawless’ new research infrastructure and talent initiative, INSPIRE.
Lead in advanced semiconductor research
The expansion will double Tyndall’s physical footprint and enhance its capacity to lead in advanced semiconductor research and innovation from materials‑to‑systems, ensuring Ireland remains a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. It will also create new opportunities for collaboration, talent development and industry partnerships.
Minister Lawless, whose department is leading this critical project, said: "Today’s decision marks a milestone for Ireland’s tech future. This investment of more than €100m 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."
Professor John O’Halloran, president of UCC, 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."
Delivered over a three-year period
The expansion project will be delivered over a three-year period, representing a significant investment in research infrastructure under the National Development Plan.
L-R: Dr Denis Doyle, board chair, Tyndall; higher education minister James Lawless; Prof William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall; and Professor John O’Halloran, president, UCC.
Tyndall CEO Professor William Scanlon said: "The government’s support for the Tyndall 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."
Tyndall board chair, Dr Denis Doyle, said: "On behalf of the Tyndall board, I welcome today’s announcement as a defining moment for Ireland’s semiconductor future. Government investment in Tyndall’s expansion will give us the infrastructure to scale our research and drive innovation across the semiconductor value chain, strengthening our role in delivering the EU Chips Act and advancing Silicon Island. We warmly thank UCC and Minister James Lawless for their leadership and support, which enable Tyndall to accelerate Ireland’s semiconductor ambition and deliver world‑class innovation."
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.
Tyndall warmly thanks UCC and Minister James Lawless for their leadership and support in enabling this transformative expansion. Their commitment allows Tyndall to accelerate Ireland’s semiconductor ambition and deliver world‑class innovation.