The launch of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, the country’s first European Space Agency ‘Phi-Lab’, headquartered at Irish Manufacturing Research in MullingarIreland’s first European Space Agency (ESA) lab has been launched in Co Westmeath to oversee the development of technology that could be used in space or elsewhere. ESA Phi-Lab Ireland will be headquartered at the Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) facility in Mullingar. The lab was formally launched by Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke in Mullingar on Friday as part of a wider Irish commitment to the ESA. The Minister said the launch “strengthens Ireland’s position, and the midlands region, as a hub for advanced research, innovation and high-value enterprise”. Barry Kennedy, IMR chief executive, described the new lab as “a significant milestone in Ireland’s space and innovation ambition”.

Source: The Irish Times February 14, 2026 17:26 UTC