Cork City Council Chief urged to establish task force following business closures 

CORK City Council’s chief executive is being urged to take proactive measures to help businesses in Cork amid “deep concern for the recent announcements of closures in our city centre.”

White Rabbit Bar & BBQ announced at the weekend that it would be closing its restaurant on MacCurtain St after almost a decade.

It said that “as with other restaurants that have recently announced closures, the costs involved in running a full-service restaurant have become impossible to absorb”.

Several other Cork businesses have announced their closures over the last two weeks, with the restaurant industry being hit particularly hard.

Nash 19 announced its closure last week after more than 30 years in business.

Tung Sing, one of Cork’s first Chinese restaurants, has ceased trading after 60 years, while Pigalle on Barrack St closed its shutters after five years.

It is not only the hospitality sector which is struggling, with Twilight newsagents closing three city centre stores and The Baldy Barber saying that revenue at his barbershop, which has been in business for 87 years, dropped by 40% last year, and he planned to close and sell.

Task force

Cork North East councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has called on Cork City Council to establish a task force to tackle the recent closures of businesses in Cork.

In a letter to chief executive Ann Doherty, the Independent councillor said: “The service industry is facing significant challenges, including warehouse debts, the cost-of-living crisis, and soaring insurance increases. The cumulative effect of these challenges on the overall cost of doing business in our city is reaching an unprecedented high.”

O’Flynn wrote: “While I understand that Cork City Council has limited power in some of these areas, I believe it is crucial to take proactive measures to address dereliction and vacancies in the city centre.

“I propose the establishment of a task force under your leadership to tackle these issues comprehensively.”

The focus of this taskforce, he recommended, should be on supporting businesses as well as “transforming our city into a 21st-century hub that offers unique experiences”.

O’Flynn suggested that the task force engages with the business community, providing assistance, guidance, and encouragement through collaboration with the economic fund,

the Chamber, and other business associations in Cork city.

Rates 

His letter also urged the council to address its rates system, described as “outdated”, saying: “It is disheartening to see businesses with small footprints paying disproportionately low rates, while others with larger footprints and lower turnovers bear a heavier burden.

“I request your intervention in pushing the rates evaluation office to expedite the necessary reforms for a fair and updated system.”

He acknowledged the increasing number of planning permission applications, particularly those in the city centre, saying that this trend is “encouraging and could contribute significantly to the revitalisation of our city.”

Ms Doherty was contacted by The Echo for comment.