A NEW science and technology park, that has the potential to create 1,000 jobs, is to take a giant step forward when University College Cork lodges a planning application for a ‘hub building’ on the Curraheen site.
The lands around the Greyhound Stadium and CIT.
UCC chiefs have briefed Cork County Council on plans for a major new building, which is expected to become a focal point for a wider centre for research and technology-led development in Cork.
It will also mark the first significant expansion of UCC since pre-recession days.
Curraheen is the location for a proposed 100-hectare science and technology park that’s designed to become a cluster of innovation and research businesses that would work in tandem with researchers at UCC and CIT.
UCC own a large precinct within the lands designated for the park and have held pre-planning meetings with County Hall planners in recent weeks before lodging an application this autumn.
The college is one of several landowners within a science park masterplan site. The ultimate aim is to link private sector businesses within the science and technology sector to UCC and CIT.
An economic impact study of the science park has revealed its potential to create 1,000 jobs and deliver a €35m-a-year boost to the local economy within 10 years.
A second application, by the private developer Soltaz, to build a five-storey office block is currently with An Bord Pleanála for a decision.
The office building, which will be geared towards the tech and research industry, is to be located on the former Cork City FC grounds at Curraheen.
A decision is due on the planning application by September 29.
The two developments will signal the start of physical works on the science park, which was first mooted more than five years ago.
Assistant county manager, Declan Daly yesterday said it was hoped that construction works on the two buildings could start next year.
Mr Daly also eased fears that the site would not be ready for development after Irish Water had not provided funding for a foul sewer in its 2014-2016 investment programme.
Mr Daly said the existing water and waste water infrastructure was sufficient to cater for both planned buildings.