State could save €177m on cost of docklands plan

THE state could save €177 million in building costs if it invests now in vital infrastructure to kickstart Cork’s multi-billion docklands regeneration.

It could save €20m alone on one of the most important projects — the Eastern Gateway Bridge — which was priced in 2007 at €80m but which could, because of the downturn, be built today for €60m.

The savings emerged following a preliminary review of providing infrastructure in docklands as part of a renewed effort by city officials to secure exchequer funding to facilitate development.