Science park plans take the next step

Land could be secured for Ireland’s first ever science park in Cork by early next year.

Talks have begun with the six principal landowners of the Curraheen site — including developer Michael O’Flynn.

A potential 5,900 jobs can be created in the Science Innovation and Technology Park, to be developed on a 150-acre site adjacent to Cork Institute of Technology (CIT).

O’Flynn Development has already shown a keen interest in the project and has employed science park experts from Finland for guidance on best practice.

Public consultation talks began earlier this week and it is hoped the project will be cemented into the county development plan by October. Compulsory Purchase Orders can then be made to secure the necessary parcels of land early next year.

Cork Co Council is driving the development, which could contribute around €450m per year to the local economy. Council officials said developers must be convinced long-term profits could be made from the project.

A consultative committee to oversee the development is likely to include landowners, UCC and CIT and State agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.

The major concerns raised by locals at briefings this week were fears the project would increase traffic congestion in the Bishopstown area, particularly around Melbourne Road.

However, under phase one of the development next year, a new access road will be built into the site from the main Bishopstown bypass.

The council also hopes a light-rail network or dedicated bus corridor may eventually provide a long-term solution to servicing the site.

A council spokesman said: “We feel we can address all traffic concerns.

“The process is still very much at the conceptual stage and we welcome all submissions.

“A modal shift away from the car towards public transport would greatly help reduce the traffic affects.”

The council said a new access road to the science park and CIT would significantly reduce traffic on the Model Farm Road and Melbourne Road, leading to general congestion improvements in Bishopstown.

Under phase one, UCC will construct a central research facility.

Aside from the dedicated science elements, the site could also include sports facilities along with a hotel and conference centre.

Article courtesy of the Evening Echo newspaper.