Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has strongly endorsed measures approved at a recent special Cabinet meeting on future job creation and new technology.
Among the initiatives agreed was licensing for the testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
Minister Canney said: “This is very good news for Tuam, which is home to Valeo’s global research centre for the development of vision systems for autonomous vehicles.
“The Cabinet discussed the importance of developing a roadmap for the connected autonomous vehicle sector in Ireland and agreed to amend legislation to allow for the licensing of public road tests for autonomous vehicles.
“This decision complements initiatives by the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, which I chair as Minister for Digital Development.
“The Taskforce focuses on improving mobile and broadband networks that support technological innovation, such as autonomous vehicles, by ensuring measures like underground ducting for cabling are included in all infrastructure plans.
Earlier this year, Valeo announced a €44 million investment in research and development in Tuam, creating an extra 50 jobs.
The company employs more than 1,200 people in Tuam with 500 of those working in research and development.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
December 19 2019