Construction Work Has Begun On The National Equine Innovation Centre At The Irish National Stud.

Wednesday, 28 July 2021 16:28

The facility should be operational by September.

Construction work has formally begin on the National Equine Innovation Centre.

It is being built at the Irish National Stud in Tully, outside Kildare Town.

The facility, the first of its kind in Ireland, is a collaboration between Kildare County Council, Kildare Local Enterprise Office and the Irish National Stud.

It will host the development of research, enterprise and commercialistion projects.

The stud's existing museum is being converted in to a 14-desk workspace complete with a dedicated meeting room.

It has been funded with the support of County Kildare LEADER Partnership and Kildare County Council.

GPD Building Contractors will carry out the refurbishment works and the project is being managed by Vivian Cummins Architects from Athy.

Head of Enterprise for Kildare, Jacqui McNabb says "The centre provides not only a specialist place of work but also offers the benefit of wrap around services from Kildare Local Enterprise Office and our partners that will drive growth through experienced mentor programmes as well as securing smart capital to exploit commercialisation opportunities”

CEO of the Irish National Stud, Cathal Beale says “I am thrilled to see renovations commence on the old museum. The interest shown already from local and national equine companies to locate at such a historic location confirms our belief that in time there will be significant demand for the equine innovation centre to expand. By locating cutting edge equine innovation entrepreneurs and businesses within the hub we are fostering an environment of innovation and stimulating job creation for the county”

The centre is expected to open in September.