Hopes were expressed today that the first phase of Ireland's first science park could be in place by 2012.
The massive project is being developed in Curraheen in Cork city, with the potential for 6,000 new jobs.
The development is a joint venture involving Cork County Council, UCC, CIT, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
The science park will be built on grounds owned by UCC and a new road network will be developed linking the park to CIT.