As part of the CONNECT national research centre for telecommunications, Maynooth University is to be the site of a new national radio test facility with aims of developing devices for 5G connectivity and the internet of things (IoT).

The opening of the Maynooth University centre is included among the 21 research projects funded by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), with €538,000 being made available to help build the facility.

It is envisioned that the centre – to be called RadioSpace – will cost in the region of €750,000 to construct and, once completed, the facility will provide a large-scale, interference-free facility that will allow scientists and engineers from industry and universities to develop new 5G communications technology.

In particular, for Maynooth University’s head of the department of electronic engineering, Dr Ronan Farrell, it will play a substantial part in Ireland’s continued focus on developing IoT technology as seen in other universities in the country.

Vice-president for research at Maynooth University, Prof Bernard Mahon, said of the successful funding: “This is a real boost for Kildare and the Leinster region. Until now, telecommunications and IoT companies have had to travel to Britain or Europe to use this sort of facility. By building RadioSpace in Maynooth, we will support established and emerging companies to test devices in Ireland.

“Indeed, we plan to use the facility to attract foreign direct investment to Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. This facility will be a magnet for high-tech companies, making Ireland a stronger proposition as a location.”

Telecoms tower image via Shutterstock