THE Government is investing €14 million in University of Limerick research to ensure the future sustainability and competitiveness of the dairy industry.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar will today (Friday, October 22) visit the Bernal Institute in UL, where he will announce the second phase of funding for research in the Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC).

Phase 1, which was founded in 2014, has been established as a centre of excellence for dairy processing research and innovation.

Limerick TD Kieran O’Donnell commented: “I am very pleased at today’s announcement of a €14 million investment by Government in the Bernal Institute at the University of Limerick as part of the second phase research funding in the Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC).

“This new €14m investment, through Enterprise Ireland is looking at sustainability and competitiveness for the dairy industry, involving cutting edge innovation and is a hugely worthwhile investment in research at the DPTC in Bernal.”

Deputy O’Donnell concluded: “I commend all in DPTC at Bernal, the University of Limerick and Enterprise Ireland for the world class innovative research taking place on this key agricultural sector in our economy.

Reporting: The Limerick Post