9 July 2001

SCIENCE VISION LIGHTS UP NORTH-WEST WITH LAUNCH OF TWO MILLION POUND PARK

"We must foster a culture of innovation and creativity in harnessing the talents and ambitions of our young people if we are to be truly competitive as an economy," the Permanent Secretary for Higher & Further Education, Training & Employment, Mr Alan Shannon, said today.

The Permanent Secretary was speaking as he launched the University of Ulster’s two million pound Science Research Park at Magee College, Derry.

Mr Shannon continued by saying: "Many of our best ideas have been translated into commercial success in other countries. Now, through the establishment of the Northern Ireland Science Park, we have a chance to change all that.

"The vision - shared by my own Minister, Dr Sean Farren and the Minister for Enterprise Trade & Investment, Sir Reg Empey - is for a Science Park which will be internationally recognised and which will make a substantial contribution to the economy through the commercialisation of Northern Ireland’s research base.

"Commercial and market orientated collaboration between industry, academia and government is therefore central to the issue.

"The Science Research Park at Magee College is a vital component, together with the Coleraine Campus and the main site at Titanic Quarter, Belfast, of a linked Northern Ireland Science Park concept.

"I am confident that the Science Park will help spawn innovative clusters that draw together the Universities, research organisations and private sector."

Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ulster, added: "The University is committed to supporting the development of the knowledge-based economy in Northern Ireland.

"The launch of the Magee College Science Research Park will provide significant opportunities for software engineering 'internet based' technology companies to cluster around the world class biomedical research activities based on our Derry campus.

"The continued development of the Park over the next 8-10 years will result in significant wealth and job creation in the new high technologies industries critical for the future prosperity of Northern Ireland."

Media enquiries to Kevin Mulhern, Press Office, telephone 028 9025 7790 or mobile 07799 711523.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

1. The main site of the Northern Ireland Science Park will be located at Titanic Quarter; Belfast with satellite sites being located in both Coleraine and Derry.
2. A not-for-profit company limited by guarantee – the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) Foundation was established on 30 March 1999 to take forward the Department’s vision for the Science Park. The Chairman of the Board is Professor Ernest Shannon. Professor George Bain and Professor Gerry McKenna are also on the board.
3. £10 million has been set aside to support the creation of a Science Park in Northern Ireland as part of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s package of economic initiatives for Northern Ireland.