Galway’s ability to retain its strength in the information and communications technology sector has been identified as one of the key uncertainties in relation to the future of the city in a new report that says Galway should focus on branding itself a ‘City of Talent and Creativity’.

‘Underpinned by the collaboration of the main education institutes, the future strategy of Galway should aim to reinforce the culture and arts identity while developing high values added sectors, such as creative industry and life sciences,’ the report says.

The merits of such a report might have been called in question, with local business leaders calling it little more than crystal ball gazing on the part of the authors, but it does outline areas that we must fight to retain and develop.

In that regard, news in recent days that NUIG is to receive a €6 million grant to improve research space and facilities in biomedical science and engineering, should come as welcome news.

Well yes and no. Yes insofar as any funding is to be welcomed and yes insofar as investment in research infrastructure has been outlined as a priority. As university spokespeople outlined last week, improvement in the research space and working conditions in this area of NUIG’s research portfolio will enhance research training and support efforts to increase the number of PhD students in an area, which is not only important to the university but to the region and the country as a whole.

The allocation is part of a €58 million scheme being managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Education and Science for the refurbishment of research facilities at third-level institutions. The level of funding was based on applications received and assessed by a panel representing the Department and the HEA.

Announcing the funding, Minister Hanafin said the continued investment in research sent an important message that ‘Ireland is serious about research’.

But is Ireland ‘serious about research’? Only last week, leaders of two of the country’s main education facilities hit out at the Government, saying funding for universities has fallen by 30 per cent in the past decade. UCD President, Dr Hugh Brady and Trinity Provost, Dr John Hegarty said the reality fell short of the rhetoric and that by most indicators our universities are significantly constrained by comparison with leading international institutions.

The Government must now ensure that funding for research facilities is not, as the university heads say, turned on and off like a tap as circumstances require. Investment in research must be continuous and consistent.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment