'It's crucial to move things along':Calls for swift action on event centre 

A CORK City councillor has called for swift action on the construction of the event centre, raising concerns that “a new government may come in and potentially scrap the project entirely”.

Independent councillor Ken O’Flynn said the delay in delivering the event centre is “not only a travesty but also poses the risk of additional inflation costs” and said the time for action on the project is now.

Mr O’Flynn put forward a question at this week’s meeting of Cork City Council calling for an update on the progress of the event centre’s development and the anticipated commencement of construction.

Mr O’Flynn said he believes it is “crucial” for all members to be updated on this significant project.

“The event centre holds great potential to enhance our city and provide a much-needed space for various activities and gatherings.

“I understand that the development of such a project involves various stages, including planning, design, and acquiring necessary permits. With that in mind, I am eager to know how far along we are in this process.”

Response 

In response, chief executive of Cork City Council Ann Doherty said: “The planning and design stages of the Cork event centre have been completed. The consortium constructing the event centre will have a legal obligation to Cork City Council to ensure that all the necessary permits are in place as required.

“Cork City Council has made a submission to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in late December 2023.

“At present we are continuing to engage with the consortium to finalise funding contributions, to enable the event centre project to proceed to finalisation of legal arrangements and commencement of construction.”

'Crucial to move things along'

Speaking to The Echo, Mr O’Flynn said that while he appreciates the response received from the CE, he is “disappointed” at the lack of a concrete timeline for the commencement of the project.

“While I understand the reservations in providing a start date, we’ve experienced numerous false promises and delays, and it’s crucial to move things along,” he said.

“The turning of the sod for the event centre was in February 2016.

“Many local shops and small to medium businesses in the area have invested significantly, with the hope of investing more upon confirmation of the event centre commencement date.

“The vitality of our city centre and its future survival hinge on this project. The delay is not only a travesty but also poses the risk of additional inflation costs,” he added.

“I am genuinely concerned that without swift action, a new government may come in and potentially scrap the project entirely. We cannot afford to let this happen. It is imperative to secure a firm commitment and a clear timeline for the commencement of the event centre.

“The time for action is now, for the sake of our city centre’s prosperity and the businesses that have invested in its future.”

Ms Doherty said at a Cork Chamber Business Breakfast in October last year that she hopes to be sitting in the front row of Cork’s event centre within the next three years.