Galway firm secures space technology contracts

Galway company ÉireComposites Teoranta has secured contracts worth €1.9m with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop technologies for next-generation space launchers and satellites.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD made the announcement regarding the firm, which is based in Indreabhán, Co Galway. The company will employ three new engineering graduates to work on the project.

The Government invests €14.5 million annually in the ESA, which enables firms to bid for technology development contracts.

Joint managing director of ÉireComposites Teoranta, Dr Conchúr Ó Brádaigh, said: “Winning ESA contracts is an important factor in developing our company’s technical capabilities and will position the company to grow in both the space and aerospace market.

“With the support of Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta, I am looking forward to developing EireComposites into one of Europe’s leading firms in the commercial space and aerospace markets.”

Announcing the contracts in Galway on Monday, Minister O’Keeffe said: “The success of ÉireComposites Teoranta in securing these ESA contracts shows how small rural Irish companies can compete with other players by focusing on innovation and human capital.

“Ireland’s membership of the ESA has helped over 50 Irish firms to secure contracts worth more than €60 million in the past decade.

“A growing number of high-tech firms are emerging in the space technology sector and Ireland is developing a strong reputation for bringing advanced innovation to the space programme.”