Future Cast has officially opened a €3.25 million innovation, research and education centre in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, to support Ireland’s construction, manufacturing and quarrying sectors. The project has transformed the historic former St Clare’s Hall, a derelict church with more than 200 years of history, into a modern 10,000 sq ft facility designed to promote research, skills development and Industry 4.0 adoption.
The centre is expected to create 15 new specialist roles in the coming years, adding to Future Cast’s existing workforce across Manorhamilton and Ballaghaderreen. It was officially opened on June 19 by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, with Minister of State Marian Harkin also in attendance.
The facility includes a geological materials science laboratory, prototype development areas, machine design spaces and green skills training facilities. A 3D concrete printer is one of its key advanced technologies, supporting innovation in sustainable construction and practical research for industrial applications.
The project received support from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment through the Border Enterprise Development Fund, administered by Enterprise Ireland. It will provide SMEs, researchers, designers and entrepreneurs with access to high-end equipment, technical expertise and collaborative space for product development and applied research.
Training programmes at the new centre will focus on skills such as 3D concrete printing and the maintenance of offshore wind energy infrastructure. These programmes are intended to support Ireland’s wider transition toward sustainable construction, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
Minister Peter Burke said the centre will strengthen the North-West enterprise ecosystem by supporting entrepreneurship, SME growth and innovation. He emphasized that competitiveness remains central to Ireland’s enterprise policy and that the Future Cast centre will help businesses and individuals improve productivity and stay ahead of technological change.
Minister Marian Harkin highlighted the importance of upskilling in advanced technologies, including robotics, augmented reality and artificial intelligence. She noted that the facility will host critical training delivered by Industry 4.0 Skillnet and supported through the National Training Fund.
Future Cast CEO JJ O’Hara said the new centre is designed to bring science, innovation and research into rural Ireland in a practical way. He also emphasized the importance of restoring the historic building and turning it into a modern innovation hub while preserving its connection to Manorhamilton.
Enterprise Ireland Executive Director Mark Christal said the project shows how targeted regional funding can support high-impact initiatives. He said the centre will connect entrepreneurs, researchers, SMEs and start-ups with world-class expertise while strengthening the North-West as a hub for sustainable business and enterprise collaboration.
Future Cast operates as Manorhamilton Innovation and Development CLG and is a European Digital Innovation Hub working with more than 220 member and partner companies. It is also involved in 14 EU-funded initiatives across programmes including Erasmus+, Interreg and Horizon Europe.
The new facility builds on Future Cast’s previous regional innovation work, including the W8 Innovation Centre in Manorhamilton and a €1 million Mechanical and Electrical Training and Assessment Centre opened in Ballaghaderreen in June 2025. Together, these projects represent more than €5 million in recent investment in regional enterprise support.
The opening of the new innovation centre highlights the growing role of rural communities in Ireland’s future economy. By supporting green skills, research, enterprise collaboration and advanced technologies, Future Cast aims to show that rural regions can become strong centres of innovation, opportunity and long-term economic resilience.
