UNITED Technologies Corp is to open a new R&D centre in Ireland.
Carrier's parent said the new United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) will extend the global reach of its corporate research center based in Connecticut in the US.

'Establishing a hub for European collaboration in Ireland will help accelerate technologies addressing renewable energy, energy efficiency and integrated building systems,' said David Parekh, UTC vice president for Research, and director of United Technologies Research Center (UTRC).

He added:'Taking advantage of Ireland's agility, as well as Europe's commitment to clean technology, we intend to demonstrate emerging technologies on a scale ranging from individual buildings to district-wide applications.'

In addition to its current staff, scientists and engineers will be hired for new centre in Ireland. The group plans to increase staffing to 40 people.

The company also announced its role in creating the International Energy Research Centre (IERC) in Cork, Ireland. UTC is the founding member of the institute, which will bring together government, university and industry partners to focus on the issue of integrating energy systems.