Galway Firm's €1.9M EU Space Win
Galway Firm's €1.9M EU Space Win
How Innovation Focus is Helping A Small Rural Company Put the Irish Into Space
ÉireComposites Teoranta, a Gaeltacht-based firm developing new technologies for space launchers and satellites, has won contracts worth €1.9 million with the European Space Agency (ESA).
The ESA contracts will allow the company to develop lightweight materials that will withstand extreme temperatures, pressures and turbulence while also reducing EU spacecraft's weight and launch costs.
The Government invests €14.5 million annually in the ESA, which allows Irish firms to bid for its technology development contracts.
ÉireComposites Teoranta, which is based in Indreabhán, Co Galway,won the contracts to develop technologies for next-generation space launchers and satellites with the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta and Enterprise Ireland.
ÉireComposites Teoranta Joint Managing Director Dr Conchúr Ó Brádaigh, (pictured) said: "Winning ESA contracts is an important factor in developing our company's technical capabilities and it will position the company to grow in both the space and aerospace market.
"With the support of Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta, I am looking forward to developing EireComposites into one of Europe's leading firms in the commercial space and aerospace markets.'
Údarás na Gaeltachta chief executive Pádraig Ó hAoláin said that it is vital that Gaeltacht-based firms have access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities that allow them to compete on a global scale.
"This venture is a good example of enhanced collaboration between development agencies, ensuring that client companies are given the best opportunities available," said Ó hAoláin.
ÉireComposites Teoranta's technology is in the design and processing of advanced lightweight composite materials that can be used in aircraft, windturbines and automotives as well as spacecraft.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD said the Galway firm will employ three new engineering graduates to work on the ESA project.
Announcing the contracts in Galway, Minister O'Keeffe said: "The success of ÉireComposites Teoranta in securing these ESA contracts shows how small rural Irish companies can compete with other players by focusing on innovation and human capital.
‘Ireland's membership of the ESA has helped over 50 Irish firms to secure contracts worth more than €60 million in the past decade.
"Ireland is developing a strong reputation for bringing advanced innovation to the EU space programme and a growing number of high-tech firms are emerging in the space technology sector."
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