Teagasc is the Agriculture and Food Development Authority of Ireland – a national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities – including 3rd level colleges, and education and training facilities. C.J. Falconer & Associates (CJFA) have delivered a number of Teagasc facilities, and campus masterplans, over two decades – the most recent of which, was the new Teagasc Moorepark Innovation Hub, Teagasc Moorepark Campus, Fermoy, Co. Cork, which completed construction in 2021.
The Teagasc Food Research Programme is a driver for Irish science-based innovations and solutions for national and international food companies – and the new 3,000m², 3-storey (including roof top Plant Room), €8.8m Hub facility provides office accommodation, business incubation suites, application suites, laboratories, & cafeteria – and all associated site work, carparking and road network. The new development will accommodate industry and clients in R&D programmes, within dedicated office and laboratory units – integrating same, & utilising the greater Moorepark campus facilities, into the world class Teagasc Moorepark Centre – facilitating development & education between industry & research, to advance new research & product innovation, economic growth, & job creation.
The investment follows an expansion by Teagasc & dairy industry in recently completed Moorepark Technology Ltd (MTL) Food Research & Development pilot plant facility on the campus, also designed & delivered by CJFA.
Taking place on a live Teagasc campus; the delivery of the Teagasc Moorepark Innovation Hub, included engagement with Teagasc specialised staff and stakeholders; and included extension to an existing facility. The project is an example of an education & research-focused facility, including and laboratories, private industry units, with secure dedicated offices and laboratories that can be rented to R&D staff on-site to carry out company specific research. Some of the specialised scientific facilities within the Food Programme that Hub-based companies can access, include the Teagasc DNA Sequencing Centre, National Food Imaging Centre, Flavour Chemistry Facility, Bioactive Protein Discovery Unit, Bio-Functional Food Engineering Facility and Rheology suite.
The building is supported on reinforced concrete ground beams on CFA piles. The building complies with the nZEB requirements of Building Regulations Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Energy, – Buildings other than Dwellings (2017) – and the accompanying Technical Guidance.
