Minister Lawless announces opening of INSPIRE research infrastructure programme call for applications
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD today announced the opening of the Phase One call for applications under the landmark INSPIRE Research Infrastructure Programme.
INSPIRE is a €750m research infrastructure investment package arising from this Department’s €4.55bn National Development Plan allocation for 2026 to 2030. As well as supporting Ireland’s High-Performance Computing capability and the Tyndall National Institute expansion, at least €500m will be invested in research equipment in the higher education sector over the coming five years.
In welcoming the opening of the Phase One call, Minister Lawless noted:
I am delighted that this critical funding call is now open for all higher education institutions to apply. INSPIRE marks a significant increase in the level of Government support for research and innovation, reflecting its national importance and my prioritisation of this agenda. I now look forward to each higher education institution setting out comprehensively, strategically and ambitiously, how INSPIRE will accelerate the delivery of institutional strategies and, in doing so, maximise the sector’s role in realising our national policy objectives, particularly with regard to our country’s competitiveness and prosperity.
The INSPIRE Research Infrastructure Programme implements the Programme for Government commitment to address the research infrastructural deficits in the higher education sector. Its design reflects the findings of the expert Working Group established by the Minister last year to progress this issue. The Programme is open to all eligible Irish higher education institutions for all research disciplines.
The Programme will be delivered in two phases and is being administered by the Higher Education Authority and Research Ireland. Under Phase One, funding for equipment used regularly in each institution for both teaching and research purposes will be prioritised. This is in recognition of the critical deficits across the sector and of the importance of this equipment for the delivery of highly-skilled graduates. The Higher Education Authority is now preparing to write to all eligible higher education institutions inviting them to submit their applications.
CEO of Research Ireland, Dr Diarmuid O’Brien commented:
Research Ireland is tasked with delivering the internationally renowned research and innovation system required for Ireland to meet its long-term economic and societal objectives. Key to achieving this is the provision of appropriate environments, facilities and research infrastructure required to do excellent research. INSPIRE represents the largest single investment in research infrastructure and talent in the history of the State. Co-delivering INSPIRE with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Higher Education Authority, Research Ireland looks forward to jointly facilitating a step change in Ireland’s research infrastructure provision and renewal.”
CEO Dr. Alan Wall commented:
We are delighted to be at the stage of inviting submissions from eligible Higher Education Institutions under Phase One of INSPIRE. By significantly investing in critical research infrastructure in a systematic way, INSPIRE will act as a key enabler to our institutions in delivering teaching and research excellence, in addition to advancing the strategic development of our higher education system. This will in turn contribute towards the delivery of national social, economic and cultural goals while enhancing the reputation of our higher education system internationally.
Photo Caption: Pictured (l-r): Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers TD and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD at DIAS Dunsink Observatory at the November 2025 launch of INSPIRE, Ireland’s new €750m national infrastructure programme for research, innovation, talent and economic competitiveness. Image: Maxwells Dublin
