Ireland has committed €37.5 million to marine, coastal and water research, targeting biodiversity, pollution and catchment management across Irish waters.
The funding, announced by Martin Heydon and Noel Grealish, will support 30 projects across 19 institutions.
Marine-relevant work includes studies on water quality response in Irish catchments, tracking environmental pollutants, and protecting endangered species such as freshwater pearl mussels.
A major project led by Teagasc will analyse how quickly water quality responds to interventions at catchment level.
Another initiative will map the national footprint of PFAS chemicals, often linked to marine and coastal pollution risks.
Research into antimicrobial resistance in the environment will also examine how marine and freshwater systems contribute to emerging threats.
Cross-border collaboration is a key feature. Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs will co-fund €3.1 million, supporting six all-island projects.
Andrew Muir said the programme reflects “a shared commitment to science that is innovative, collaborative and impactful”.
Projects will also examine biodiversity and ecosystem services, including modelling tools to support conservation of vulnerable aquatic species.
Minister Heydon said the funding will deliver “the insights and innovations required” to improve sustainability and environmental protection.
Minister Grealish said collaboration between scientists and industry will ensure research is “directly applicable in real-world settings”.
The programme will support more than 150 research roles, including postgraduate training, building capacity in marine and environmental science.
