From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless today officially opened the €26 million Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk.
This state-of-the-art facility for Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) represents the largest single capital investment in the Further Education and Training sector to date.
It will provide cutting edge training in Advanced Manufacturing including Robotics, Construction Technologies, 3D Printing including Concrete Printing, Cyber Security and ICT Innovations.
Minister Lawless said:
“I am delighted to be in Dundalk today to officially open this magnificent facility and to meet the people who will benefit from the learning opportunities offered here by LMETB.
“My department approved funding for LMETB to acquire and refurbish this building, at a cost of some €26 million, with further investment in leading edge technology and equipment.
“The provision of technology training at the AMTCE Campus enables LMETB to enhance their range of training and further education programmes, offering exciting new careers and employment opportunities for learners.”
The delivery of the Centre is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and by Enterprise Ireland, and will help provide the skilled workforce needed to meet government ambitions under Housing for All.
Avril Behan, Director, FET College of the Future in SOLAS, said:
“We are delighted with today’s opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk.
“This marks a significant milestone for Ireland’s Further Education and Training ecosystem with a substantial capital investment from DFHERIS via SOLAS as Funding Authority.
“The industry-focused provision at the centre aligns with the workforce development intent of FET, enabling enterprise to remain competitive both home and abroad. The delivery and operation of the centre by LMETB, enabled by joint funding from Enterprise Ireland and DFHERIS, is a clear demonstration of the quality outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration between partners with complementary strengths.”
Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of Louth and Meath Education and Training Board said:
“Today marks a significant milestone not only for Louth and Meath Education and Training Board but for the future of Ireland’s manufacturing sector.
“The Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk is a powerful investment in our people, our industries, and our global competitiveness. By combining industry-relevant training, hands-on experience, and global connections, we are equipping the next generation of workers with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving sector.
“This Centre is more than just a training facility – it is a hub of innovation, collaboration, and opportunity for both learners and industry alike.”
The establishment of this building facilitates the delivery of higher quality, flexible and more advanced sector specialised Further Education and Training programmes, support services and qualifications. The building also accommodates training facilities for Electrical Apprenticeships and facilitates the location of sector specific world-standard specialised equipment and experienced trainers.
This Further Education and Training Brexit initiative aims to help current and future workers gain advanced manufacturing technology skills. It ensures that both employees and workplaces are prepared to face the challenges and opportunities in the growing manufacturing and technology sectors in the north-eastern region and across the island of Ireland.