Dublin-based company Reflective Measurement Systems (RMS) has been awarded almost €1 million in the latest round of Horizon 2020 research and innovation funding programme.

The funding will allow the company to expand overseas and develop its RetroTek-M Mobile Retroreflectometer, which measures the visibility and retro reflectivity of the road markings when real driving conditions are taken into account.

"This funding will allow RMS to develop the market disrupting RetroTek Technology and carry out pilot testing with target customers in the road maintenance industry worldwide, prepare and receive product certification and evaluation to industry standards, and evaluate market segments, target customers and choose suitable channel partners for EU and USA markets," said Joe Turley, chief executive of RMS.

The company also plans to expand into Europe and the US in the next two years, adding marketing, sales, technical and engineering staff to its team. It currently employs three people, and works closely with eight financial, engineering and computer contractors. It also collaborates with the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown.

“We believe that this technology will revolutionise how road markings will be surveyed in the future as it allow road stakeholders (road authorities, councils, road and marking contractors, toll operators) to survey road networks quickly, economically and safely,” Mr Turley said. “This funding will accelerate our plans as we will now have the funding to put in place the resources needed.”

RMS is one of 42 small and medium enterprises from 14 countries who received funding in the latest round of Horizon 2020 SME Instrument Phase 2, and brings to 31 the total number of Irish SMEs who have been given funding so far under the SME Instrument.