The airport’s new and expanding commercial quarter will join Arthur Cox, AIB and Grant Thornton as an official sponsor of the Institute, which brings together experts from a number of DCU’s faculties and schools, including the School of Law and Government.

Professor Federico Fabbrini, director of the DCU Brexit Institute and professor of European law at DCU School of Law and Government, said the new partnership, announced just days ahead of a planned vote by MPs on the draft Withdrawal Agreement, was “a very welcome development”.

He added: “As Ireland’s only and Europe’s first centre specifically created to analyse the implications of the UK withdrawal from the EU from both a research and policy perspective, the DCU Brexit Institute has become the go-to place to understand the challenges, but also the potential opportunities, that Brexit poses for Ireland and the EU.

“Joining with Arthur Cox, AIB and Grant Thornton as institutional sponsors of the Brexit Institute, Dublin Airport Central will provide impetus and new perspectives for the Institute’s ongoing operations against the backdrop of political turbulence.”

Brian Coppinger, head of Dublin Airport Central, said: “Dublin Airport Central is delighted to partner with the DCU Brexit Institute. This is a timely and fitting partnership, and we look forward to working closely with the Institute.

“Dublin Airport Central is an ideal landing space for firms relocating to Ireland from the UK due to Brexit. We view this partnership a key link helping us to forge relationships and associations with businesses, organisations and other key stakeholders affected by this political change which will have a major impact on the current and future business environment.”

Professor Brian MacCraith, president of DCU, added: “At every stage of negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the DCU Brexit Institute has been very active in analysing developments, in providing a platform for international speakers and sectoral experts, and in serving as a key resource for objective and informed commentary. I am confident that, with this new partnership, the Institute’s influence will continue to grow through the critical journey ahead.”