The programme - due to be elaborately launched last year but delayed on account of the recession - was announced in a low-key manner on January 8, with details issued via a press release from Minister Batt O'Keeffe.

There was a collective sigh of relief from college heads, some of whom might have feared a "pause" in the programme similar to the one in 2003.

Funding will be allocated under a number of headings, including capital facilities such as state-of-the-art facilities for over 1,400 researchers in higher education institutions. The funds will also help to build national shared facilities in areas of strategic importance.

Proposals will be sought in the areas of biomedical and health research; chemistry and pharmaceutical research; marine environmental research, environmental (waste management) research; and cultural heritage.

Funding will also be allocated to structured PhD programmes, which Mr O’Keeffe said would enhance the quality of PhD education, provide students with multi-disciplinary skills and enable PhD students to take up a variety of careers in academia and in the private and public sectors.

The Minister said he envisages that €300 million of public funding will be awarded to successful projects following an international assessment process.

The investment will provide “concentrated infrastructure for delivering on the Government's economic development objectives”, he said.

“It's an essential plank in our platform for economic renewal and our commitment to the development of Ireland's smart economy.”

The Higher Education Authority will now issue a call for proposals to higher education institutions inviting them to develop competitive proposals for this latest round of funding under the scheme.

Last year was the tenth anniversary of the funding scheme and the latest round announced this week brings to almost €1.2 billion the total research investment in higher education institutions under the programme since its introduction.

The investment forms part of the Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) - the blueprint for developing research and technological innovation. (Source: Irish Times)