Cork Science Park
Ireland's first science park
Following a public consultation in February 2009, Cork County Council is considering the zoning of land for the development of a high quality science park on a 150 acre (60 hectare) site at the western edge of Cork City. The site adjoins the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and University College Cork (UCC).
The science park is a long held ambition for the Cork region and is included in the Cork Area Strategic Plan, the County Development Plan and the Carrigaline Electoral Area Plan. It is a collaborative effort between public sector agencies and education providers to benefit the region as a whole. It has the potential to provide 5900 jobs and contribute up to €450m per annum to the local and regional economy. The first stage of the development could be in place by 2012.
Roger Tym & Partners, together with Atkins and Goodbody Economic Consultants, helped Cork County Council make the case - regulatory and economic - for the project. We provided key knowledge on the attributes of a successful science park and current international best practice. Our team has a deep understanding of the dynamics of particular sectors, together with matching global demand and opportunities to current technology-based research and production facilities in the region. Most importantly, we advised on the requirements for a successful science park facility, including the format, range and scale of buildings that may be appropriate.
"The thinking behind the Cork Science Park is a fantastic example of structured discussion and collaboration between public sector agencies, education and private sector knowledge. It is this exactly this type of initiative which will play a key role in the future economic strength of the region. With the current programme in Ireland for developing increased output in fourth level qualifications, the idea of a science park to capture and retain the talent is a strategic and sensible fit to the economic development strategy”, said RTP Project Director Joe Pacitti.
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