Marine Innovation and Development facility launched by Údarás na Gaeltachta

Údarás na Gaeltachta have announced the launch of Nua na Mara, a market focussed marine innovation development centre that has been established in gteic@Carna in Conamara. Nua na Mara will provide specialist training and business development supports functioning as a ‘champion’ for marine product commercialisation and will bridge the gap in linking innovation, application, concepts, and commercialisation.

Údarás na Gaeltachta and a number of stakeholders secured €2m in funding in 2018 under the Rural Economic Development Fund (REDF) via Enterprise Ireland to establish Nua na Mara as a key element of Páirc na Mara project which will provide 1,800 sq. metres of enterprise and incubation space for marine enterprises.

Nua na Mara will integrate and build on the world class research, testing and enterprise development facilities for the marine sector provided by GMIT and NUI Galway. It will also coordinate collaborative programming of specialist supports and development interventions to be jointly implemented by BIM, the Marine Institute, the ETBs, Skillsnet and other regional stakeholders. Nua na Mara will also build on the existing strong relationship and MOU that Údarás na Gaeltachta has with Enterprise Ireland.

Speaking of the launch Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta commented:

“The Marine Innovation Development Centre, Nua na Mara, which has been established by Údarás na Gaeltachta, will support the marine industry in the Iorras Aithneach area and on the west coast of Ireland.  Expertise and business supports will be made available to innovation companies wishing to progress marine matters in the Gaeltacht whilst using the region’s natural resources.  The centre will greatly enhance prospects for the community and businesses in this Gaeltacht area.”

Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Officer with Údarás na Gaeltachta also added:

“We are delighted to establish Nua na Mara to bring the marine sector to another level in terms of commercialisation by facilitating research, testing and enterprise development within the sector whilst also ensuring sustainability.  Despite the delay with the Páirc na Mara initiative, innovative concepts and developments can progress, particularly in light of the recent announcement of the development of a deep water berth at Ros an Mhíl Harbour ensuring that Gaeltacht areas on the west coast are not lagging behind in terms of marine commerce.”

A business development manager has been appointed recently to commence the development of Nua na Mara, dedicated to supporting businesses, start-ups, innovators and researchers looking to innovate in the marine sector in the Gaeltacht.

 Cliodhna Ní Ghríofa, Business Development Manager at Nua na Mara outlined the vision for Nua na Mara

“Nua na Mara’s vision is to encourage engagement and the sustainable development of early-stage companies, start-ups and researchers to develop their business concepts in the Gaeltacht region, while supporting and encouraging innovation within existing marine enterprise in the region. We can advance and progress the cultivation of a marine enterprise ecosystem with the resources available to us. Drawing from the expertise in research and innovation with our key partners, NUI Galway and GMIT, and utilising the facilities & experience from Údarás na Gaeltachta’s gteic network and wider facilities & funding mechanisms, coupled with the relationships with key stakeholders across the marine sector. There is significant scope to generate economic development and employment in this region”.

Events, courses and programmes are currently being developed and will be delivered by Nua na Mara during 2022.