A construction contract for a new £8 million research facility at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Hillsborough has been awarded.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed the award of the contract for the new Ruminant Emissions Research Facility (RERF).

E Quinn Civils Ltd., has been appointed as the contractor following a competitive procurement process through Department of Finance’s Construction and Procurement Delivery.

Construction is expected to last 13 months with the building to be handed over in August 2027.

The planned investment is part of Northern Ireland’s efforts to address agricultural emissions and support sustainable livestock production.

The research facility will provide infrastructure to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions from cattle under controlled conditions.

The data generated will support research into mitigation strategies and inform national inventories, helping Northern Ireland meet its climate targets.

Contract for new emissions research facility

Construction work on the facility is scheduled to begin early this month.

Welcoming the contract award, Minister Muir said: “This facility will support scientists develop innovative, low carbon farming practices with reduced ammonia emissions strengthening environmental outcomes whilst sustaining the productivity and economic resilience of our agri-food sector.

“This investment highlights our continued support for AFBI’s research and its critical role in informing policy and driving innovation across the sector.”

Director of AFBI Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences, Prof. Elizabeth Magowan said: “The Ruminant Emissions Research Facility represents a strategically important addition to AFBI’s research infrastructure.

"It will provide a unique, specialist platform that bridges the gap between detailed laboratory studies and commercial farm systems, enabling us to deliver world class leading science that supports innovation and sustainability across the agri-food sector.”