Ireland has unveiled INSPIRE, a €750 million investment package designed to transform research infrastructure across the country’s higher education sector. Announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD, the programme represents the largest single commitment to research infrastructure and talent in the history of the State.
A Strategic National Asset
Funded through the €4.55 billion capital allocation secured under the National Development Plan review, INSPIRE will deliver cutting‑edge equipment and facilities to universities nationwide. The investment will roll out between 2026 and 2031, beginning with €100 million in 2026, and will align with national priorities including competitiveness, productivity, digitalisation, and decarbonisation.
Minister Lawless described the initiative as a “step‑change” in how Ireland views research infrastructure:
“INSPIRE is about unlocking Ireland’s greatest natural resource, our people and their curiosity. It will ensure Ireland remains a change maker, not a change taker, in the global knowledge economy.”
Government Backing
The launch was supported by Minister Jack Chambers and welcomed by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD, who highlighted the role of research investment in maintaining Ireland’s position at the frontier of advanced economies. Chambers emphasized that INSPIRE reflects government ambition to safeguard Ireland’s future, while Burke linked the programme to the recently approved Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
Driving Innovation and Collaboration
INSPIRE will provide researchers and students with access to advanced technologies across fields such as quantum computing, life sciences, AI, and advanced manufacturing. The programme also aims to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, supporting companies—particularly SMEs—in commercialising innovations and bringing them to market.
A report from an expert working group, published alongside the launch, outlines a systematic approach to upgrading Ireland’s research equipment infrastructure. The programme will be administered by the Higher Education Authority and Research Ireland, with applications opening in Q1 2026.
Outlook
By positioning research infrastructure as a strategic national asset, INSPIRE is set to drive competitiveness, resilience, and social progress. The initiative underscores Ireland’s ambition to cement its role as a global leader in research and innovation, shaping the country’s economic and social future for decades to come.
