€8m Transformation of Coláiste Íosagáin

Construction begins on Campas Íosagáin which will bring 200 jobs to the area.

An €8 million transformation of Coláiste Íosagáin is now underway. Developed by Údarás na Gaeltachta, the new Campas Íosagáin will create 200 jobs and attract increased business to the area.

Construction work has commenced to revitalise the historic site of Coláiste Íosagáin, the derelict Gaeltacht school in Baile Mhúirne (Ballyvourney), Co Cork. The project will see the old school transformed into Campas Íosagáin, a state-of-the-art digital hub aimed at fostering economic growth and innovation in the local community and beyond.

The project is being funded through a grant of €3.3 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, along with €2.7 million from Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund (REDF).

Campas Íosagáin will serve as a Development Hub offering a full range of training and development supports for local entrepreneurs, remote workers as well as multinational companies. Located in the tranquil surroundings of the Muscraí Gaeltacht, the centre will be a critical asset for business incubation, enabling startups and established firms to grow within a supportive ecosystem comprising the latest business and technology infrastructure.

The project is currently in its initial phases with works expected to take 15 months. Construction and redevelopment work is focused on both renovation and new build elements, ensuring the elements of the historic building are preserved.

Once completed, Campas Íosagáin will not only provide workspace for local businesses but will also generate approximately 200 roles likely to follow as businesses grow within the space. The first phase also aims to incubate over 45 startup companies, with additional phases of development planned in the future.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan, TD welcomed the commencement of works: “The start of the redevelopment of Coláiste Íosagáin is great news, marking a long-awaited boost to the regional economy and rural development in Baile Mhúirne. This project is a fantastic initiative by Údarás na Gaeltachta, not only preserving a significant piece of local history but also fostering innovation, job creation, and collaboration in the region.

“The new digital hub will provide critical infrastructure to support remote working, business growth and enterprise in the heart of our rural communities as well as attracting larger national and multi-national companies. This investment represents a key step in revitalising and recognising the importance of smaller towns and regions across Ireland, ensuring sustainable growth and economic opportunities for generations to come.”

Siobhán Ní Ghadhra, Cathaoirleach (Chairperson) of Údarás na Gaeltachta, added: “The transformation of Coláiste Íosagáin into Campas Íosagáin marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable development in the Gaeltacht. This project not only honours our rich cultural heritage but also paves the way for a thriving, modern economy in rural Ireland. By creating a space where innovation and tradition can coexist, we are ensuring that our Gaeltacht communities remain vibrant and economically viable for future generations.”

“We are delighted that the long-awaited redevelopment of Coláiste Íosagáin is now underway. This project is significant in that it will strengthen and diversify the employment base providing opportunity to third-level graduates in the area.” said Tomás Ó Síocháin, Príomhfheidhmeanach (Chief Executive) of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

“Campas Íosagáin will allow for greater capacity in research and development to build on both regional strengths such as food and ingredients in both Baile Bhúirne and the wider Cork region but also emerging national opportunities such as the use of AI as Gaeilge in public services. Once completed, we expect that there will be up to 320 jobs in businesses and ventures supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta.”

Dan Barry, Regional Director for the South and South East for Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to helping Irish-owned companies to start, grow and scale, and to achieve their global ambition.  Pivotal to this is a strong ecosystem which fosters the growth and development of businesses in communities around the country. Supporting innovative regional start-ups is a priority for Enterprise Ireland, and the development of a new innovation and digital hub in Baile Mhúirne, supported by the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, will play an important role in this area.  Projects like Campas Íosagáin play an important role in regional growth by fostering collaboration and providing supports, and we would like to congratulate all the team involved.”

Coláiste Íosagáin originally opened in 1940 as a preparatory college and was named after a work by Irish revolutionary Patrick Pearse. The current transformation marks a new chapter for a site steeped in history.