Extension planned for new IMR Technology Centre

The Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) Technology Centre on the former site of Imperial Tobacco is to be extended as part of a new government initiative to prepare workers and businesses for changes in technology.

Speaking at the launch of Future Jobs Ireland 2019: Preparing Now for Tomorrow’s Economy, Minister Heather Humphreys revealed that the IMR Technology Centre on the Dublin Road in Mullingar is to be extended “to accommodate Cobotics and Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies”.

“While Future Jobs Ireland 2019 is a national framework, it will have a regional impact. For example, it sees the country becoming a leading pioneer in technology adoption and testing and sets out higher ambitions for our Research, Development and Innovation especially by SMEs.

“Crucially, it will expand or develop technology test beds in regional locations. This includes extending the EI/IDA Irish Manufacturing Research Technology Centre in Mullingar to accommodate Cobotics and Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies.

“Ireland has a reputation as a location of choice for FDI, and we want to ensure our reputation is as strong in terms of support of indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. We will enhance the powers of our Local Enterprise Offices to ensure any gaps in supports for indigenous businesses are addressed. We want to ensure all ambitious Irish companies, regardless of size, are supported.”