FEARS have been expressed over the financial future of the south Devon link road after it was revealed that a major sub-contractor is in serious financial trouble.

Irish company SIAC Construction and eight related companies are on the brink of insolvency, with debts amounting to £42 million.

But main contractor Galliford Try insists the arm of SIAC involved in the new A380 route is not one of the eight companies in examination, the Irish equivalent of receivership.

A spokesman said there would be no effect on the 'programme, cost or successful delivery' of the project.

The Irish High Court has appointed its equivalent of a receiver,