There are concerns that a new science and innovation park set to be built in Cork, could be delayed due to cancelled funds.

According to the Evening Echo, the latest development could also delay the delivery of up to 1,000 jobs as well as a €35m-a-year boost to the local economy within the next five to 10 years.

There were hopes that construction works at Curraheen would begin in 2014 after the council sought funding to build a new road on the site. The road is the starting point which would open the 100-hectare site for a further development of innovation and research businesses. These businesses would work in tandem with researchers at University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology.

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The scheme was referred to as one of the most important job creation proposals for the area.

The council had been expected to complete detailed designs of the science park road this year and apply for funding for construction works in 2014. They need €16m to develop new roads onto the greenfield site, but securing that vital funding is now unclear after Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar cancelled all funding in 2014 for Strategic Grant programmes.

In a circular to local authorities, Mr Varadkar said he was terminating the grants to maximise the amount of funding available to fix potholes and repair road surfaces. Fianna Fáil councillor Séamus McGrath has questioned how the projects will progress if funding is axed. He said: "I am seeking clarity on the situation following the announcement by Minister Varadkar last week. I’ve tabled a motion for the next council meeting asking the county manager to outline the consequences of the minister’s decision for these two important projects."

Two Cork roads fall under the axed funding; the proposed science park road in Curraheen and the Carrigaline Western Relief Road.

With the Carrigaline Western Relief Road, further funding in 2014 was hoped to help drive the project forward. It is also viewed as an important strategic project for the town, to help relieve congestion and allow further retail development.

(JP)