A new €12.7 million research facility that will focus on the environment and sustainability has officially opened in Co Wexford.
The National Agricultural Sustainability Research and Innovation Centre (NASRIC) at Teagasc's Johnstown Castle site represents one of the Department of Agriculture's biggest ever investments in a science centre.
The centre includes 2,000 square metres of new state-of-the-art labs and equipment.
It will be used for research into water quality, soil health, greenhouse-gas emissions, carbon farming, nutrient efficiency, and farmland biodiversity.
According to officials, the emphasis of research around reducing emissions and water quality in particular will be useful as Ireland pushes for a renewal of the nitrates derogation.
A major focus of work carried out at the Teagasc facility will also be on the development, testing and implementation of innovative techniques to help farmers combine economic and environmental sustainability.
The centre will also provide technical support to policymakers and the wider agri-food and land-use sectors.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, who officially opened the new facilities, said the investment "demonstrates Ireland's leadership in science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture".
"The work carried out here will be critical in helping our farmers produce high-quality food while protecting our natural resources and meeting climate targets," he said.
The development involved the construction of a new high-spec laboratory building, as well as the refurbishment of existing labs.
Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara said research at Teagasc Johnstown Castle has "long been synonymous with soil science and environmental research and the expansion of research laboratories with NASRIC builds on that proud heritage.
"These facilities will expand capacity in research and innovation at Teagasc and support the Teagasc Climate Centre’s research and innovation to meet sectoral targets around climate and biodiversity," he added.
In total, €9 million was provided by the Department of Agriculture, with the remaining €3.7 million contributed by Teagasc from its own income.
