Decision on Cork events centre funding coming 'very shortly'   

TRANSPORT Minister Eamon Ryan has said that a decision on the request for additional State funding to develop Cork’s long-awaited events centre will be made “very shortly”.

“We haven’t made a decision yet, but we want to make a decision,” said Mr Ryan when asked during a visit to Cork on Friday about the funding request.

“We discussed it at a leaders meeting last week and all three parties are committed. The development of Cork benefits everyone. Particularly that side of the city centre — there’d be a lot of dereliction if we don’t develop.”

Recommendation

Also speaking about the project in recent days, Finance Minister Michael McGrath said the Government is awaiting a recommendation from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and that a prompt decision will follow.

“We are very close to a final decision and it will be a definitive decision and that’s important,” said Mr McGrath.

“I want to acknowledge the work that Cork City Council have led in preparing the necessary evidence for Government.

“They have carried out extensive due diligence. There is continuing contact between the city council and the Department of Housing and there are discussions then across Government in relation to that. So, we need to receive a recommendation from the Department of Housing — I expect that very shortly.”

Mr McGrath reiterated his support for the events centre project.

“It’s a project I really do want to see happen because I think it would be transformative, it would bring footfall into the city centre, particularly on evenings. I think the benefits to the city, retailers, and hospitality is very, very clear to see.”