James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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847. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the Grand Canal innovation district; the status of the project; if he has had engagements with Trinity College Dublin with regard to the status of the district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21301/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In July of 2018, the Innovation District Advisory Group was established to develop and agree a vision for the Grand Canal Innovation District. The group included representatives of business, the universities in Dublin, the local community and the public service. The report of the Innovation District Advisory Group was submitted to Government in December 2019 and was published in January 2020.

The report recommended that the Innovation District be developed and that consideration be given to what role Government support might play in its development. The report further recommended a new multi-institutional research centre be established as well as an internationally recognised start-up cluster; and that a community special interest group be developed to understand how the needs of the local community can best be considered. The report also recommended that the Advisory Group be reconstituted to oversee the next steps in the development of the Innovation District including development of charter, establishment of community special interest group and explore possible sources of funding.

I have not yet met with Trinity College Dublin or other stakeholders to discuss this project. However I look forward to learning more about the project and how it might contribute to national strategies and goals around driving innovation, enhancing further our ecosystem for start-ups and generating further impact from the excellent research that is being undertaken in our higher education system.