Following submissions, the Government's €40m science research fund has been allocated across the department of Agriculture and Food, Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Environment and Local Government and Health.
Speaking today, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin TD said this fund is breaking new ground in funding public research.
He said : 'It is important that we keep our competitive edge, and having a properly funded Science, Technology and Innovation strategy is key.'
'The funding I am now releasing will be used over the next two years and is part of the €8.2bn allocated to my Department for such initiatives under the National Development Plan' , he added The funding will continue in 2009 and 2010.
Examples of projects that will benefit include research to aid the development of marine functional foods, and projects in areas such as marine environment and climate change, and integrated marine exploration .
Also, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, will receive €8m for three projects, including one on climate change, which will be managed by the EPA.
