BREAKING: Plan to transform Kildare Innovation Campus is submitted for planning

A plan to redevelop Kildare Innovation Campus (KIC) in Leixlip has been submitted to Kildare County Council. 

The masterplan designed for the 72 hectare site, subject to planning permission, will see the campus transform in three phases over the next 10 to 15 years into one of a state-of-the-art Science, Innovation and Technology campus. 

CEO of County Kildare Chamber, Allan Shine, has endorsed the plan.

He said: "Investment of this scale and the potential creation of some 4,000 new jobs over the next 15 years in Leixlip is a resounding endorsement of our value proposition here in Kildare and the Mid East Region.

"The masterplan is futureproofing employment and foreign direct investment for the short and medium term whilst also offering opportunities for indigenous Irish owned companies," Mr Shine added.

KIC partner Iwan Iwanow also gave his thoughts regarding the announcement: "The site’s accessibility, talent pool in the region and proximity to internationally accredited third-level institutions combine to make this campus stand out for leading science and technology innovators.

"The facilities planned for KIC represent the future in innovation and technology, encompassing areas including: deeptech, quantum computing, photonics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, life sciences and more."

He continued: "This is an opportunity to position North Kildare as a vibrant hub for this activity in Ireland.

"It has the potential to considerably boost the value proposition and the economy of the entire Mid East region," Mr Iwanow concluded.

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NEW JOBS

When fully completed, the campus will create the potential for around 4,000 jobs, including existing businesses already located on the site. 

Under the plan, 60 per cent of the campus will comprise innovation, deeptech and science facilities.

The remaining 40 per cent will provide buildings for Information and communication technologies (better known as ICT), quantum computing and data centre related activity. 

The campus will be fully connected to the national grid and is committed to investing in increasing Ireland’s renewable energy provision both on and off- site through the installation of substantial solar PV and through power purchase agreements where required.

Harvested rainwater will enable energy and water efficient cooling systems, and the site is designed to incorporate best practice nature-based systems to manage water usage. 

Aligning with the Leixlip Local Area Plan, included is new local access following the construction of a pedestrian and cycle overpass of the M4 motorway. 

The planned activity on the newly developed site, subject to planning permission, will complement the activity of existing businesses on the campus.

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FURTHER DETAILS

Companies currently located there are HP, MGS, Nikon, DXC Technology and Cully Automation. 

MGS Manufacturing, a leading global provider of optimized manufacturing solutions for high-precision plastics products across multiple industries, has plans to further substantially expand its operations on the campus having recently taken 180,000 square feet of additional space, in a combined investment by MGS and the owners of circa €20 million.

It demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the campus.

Back in April of 2022, MGS announced plans to create 100 new jobs following a €7m investment to extend its existing premises, due to continued success and growth within the healthcare sector.

This brings the number of people employed by MGS in Ireland to around 220.

MGS General Manager Michael Finneran said that this development 'is another important step for us in the growth and development of our operations in Ireland.'

He further said: "We have found KIC to be an ideal location for our business, offering us the additional space to expand, and we look forward to growing our European HQ here."

Mr Iwanow congratulated MGS on their expansion plans.