A derelict 200-year-old church Co Leitrim has been transformed into a 930sq/m innovation centre for the construction and quarrying industries.
The former St Clare’s Hall Church in Manorhamilton, has been redeveloped into a state-of-the-art facility featuring a geological material science laboratory, prototype-building, machine-development spaces, and a 3D concrete printer.
The Future Cast Innovation, Research and Development and Education Centre is expected to create 15 new roles.
It will provide companies and designers with access to technical expertise and equipment to develop ideas, build prototypes, and progress R&D projects.
It is expected that skills training will include programmes related to 3D concrete printing and the maintenance of offshore wind energy infrastructure.
Future Cast is a not-for-profit organisation supporting innovation, education and R&D in the construction, manufacturing and quarrying industries.
The former St Clare’s Hall Church was transformed into a 930sq/m innovation centre
The organisation employs 22 people across its existing facilities at the W8 building in Manorhamilton and Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.
The company, which trades as Manorhamilton Innovation and Development CLG, works with more than 220 companies to increase the adoption of advanced technology.
The project supported by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment under the Border Enterprise Development Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland will be officially opened by Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke.
Minister Burke said the centre will provide research and education initiatives to individuals and businesses to stay ahead of the curve on innovation and productivity.
Minister of State Marian Harkin said the facility will support businesses in the manufacturing, construction, and quarrying industries in the region.
“This was a derelict building with a long history in Manorhamilton and we are proud to have been able to bring it back into use as a modern innovation centre while retaining its unique character and connection to the town,” said JJ O’Hara, CEO of Future Cast.