Fianna Fáil TD for Louth Erin McGreehan has said that “Louth should be the centre of cancer research on the island of Ireland”. She made her remarks at the launch of the All-Island Cancer Research Landscape Report published by the ACRI.
The report shows that the island of Ireland “punches above its weight in global cancer research and innovation” because of its collaborative approach. Deputy McGreehan argued that “We need to double down on collaboration of cancer research and the best place to do it is here in Louth.”
According to the findings cancer research papers from Ireland and Northern Ireland achieved impact scores that were 110 per cent and 90 per cent higher than the world average. Publications from joint cancer research activities reached 130 per cent above the global average.
Speaking at the launch Deputy McGreehan said:
“If we are serious about improving outcomes for patients our research innovation and care systems must allow knowledge expertise and collaboration to flow freely across the island.
“This report shows clearly that we are already building those foundations and that our greatest strength lies in how we work together.”
She said collaboration with neighbouring jurisdictions is the most effective way to fight cancer. Describing cancer as “the common enemy” she added that “we need to work together not compete against each other. It stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when we take a collective strategic approach to cancer research.”
Deputy McGreehan said there is now a clear need to create an All Island Cancer Research Co Centre which would unite researchers healthcare professionals patients and industry. She argued that Louth is the ideal location for this centre.
She highlighted that “Louth is home to a growing life sciences and MedTech footprint strong cross border connectivity and an emerging research and enterprise ecosystem.”
She said the next step is to link regional strengths like those in Louth into national and all island cancer research infrastructure so that talent does not have to leave to contribute and innovation is not limited to a small number of urban centres. Balanced regional development must be a pillar of cancer research planning.
Deputy McGreehan also said “There is a clear opportunity to scale what already works including through stronger use of mechanisms such as the Shared Island Fund.”
Concluding she said
“Cancer affects every family and every community on this island. One in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. It does not recognise borders and neither can our response.”
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
END
Note to Editor:
Group St Stephens Green Photo:
Shashank Shrivinivas, AICRI, Dr. Croi Buckley, Irish Cancer Society, Dr. Denis Collins, Dublin City University, Dr. Claire Kilty, Irish Cancer Society, Amy Nolan, Irish Cancer Society, Prof. Patrick Redmond, Royal College Surgeons Ireland, Prof. Mark Lawler, Co-Lead of AICRI and Queen’s University Belfast, Prof. William Gallagher, Co-lead of AICRI and University College Dublin, Erin McGreehan, TD, Dr. Ozlem McDonnell, National Cancer Control Programme, Aidan McCormick, Patient Advocate, Anisa Shah, AICRI, Tom Hope, Patient Advocate, Chantal Halley, AICRI
Close up Erin & AICRI co-leads outside the gates Photo:
Amy Nolan, Irish Cancer Society, Prof. Mark Lawler, Co-lead of AICRI and Queen’s University Belfast, Erin McGreehan, TD, Prof. William Gallagher, Co-Lead of AICRI and University of College Dublin, Aidan McCormick, Patient Advocate, Dr. Claire Kilty, Irish Cancer Society
Erin & ICS, AICRI Lead outside gates Photo:
Amy Nolan, Irish Cancer Society, Prof. Mark Lawler, Queen’s University Belfast and Co-Lead of AICRI, Erin McGreehan, TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Prof. William Gallagher, Co-Lead of AICRI and University College Dublin, Aidan McCormick, Patient Advocate, Dr. Claire Kilty, Irish Cancer Society
AICRI group outside MOLI:
Dr. Claire Kilty, Irish Cancer Society, Chantal Halley, AICRI, Tom Hope, Patient Advocate, Prof. Aedin Culhane, University of Limerick, Prof. Mark Lawlor, Co-Lead of AICRI and Queen’s University Belfast, Ciaran Briscoe, AICRI, Dr. Denis Collins, Dublin City University, Anisa Shah, AICRI, Prof. William Gallagher, Co-Lead of AICRI and University College Dublin, Aidan McCormick, Patient Advocate, Shashank Srinivas, AICRI
