Night-time strategy set to transform Cork city into a thriving 24-hour destination

The approval of the long-anticipated Night-Time Economy Strategy for Cork city has been welcomed as a significant boost for tourism and an opportunity for businesses in the city centre to thrive.

Cork City Council announced yesterday that it has approved the plan which is designed to transform the city into a thriving 24-hour destination, with a focus on improving the city’s offerings from 6pm to 6am.

The strategy aims to boost tourism, enhance local business opportunities, and create a safe, dynamic environment for residents and visitors alike. It includes a variety of key initiatives designed to increase safety, improve city animation, and create a vibrant night-time culture.

Among the projects already under way are an open-air concert on the rooftop of North Main Street Car Park, the Leave a Light On campaign, and the Coffee House Lates events — experiences that are set to showcase Cork after dark.

Footfall

Welcoming the strategy, Ernest Cantillon, who owns Sober Lane on Sullivan’s Quay, said the initiative would attract more footfall into the city centre after dark.

“If you take Culture Night, for example. I take my own kids in and we go for a bite in the city and a lot of events are free, so it’s great. That shows what can be done.

“So, if you have a good offer and if people feel like there’s something on, if it’s good value, if it’s safe and clean, they will come into the city.

“I have spent 20 years around town and lived on Grand Parade for 10 years of it. I have never had an issue and find the town to be clean and safe. I think it’s about getting people in, and if we get people in, I’m confident they will have a good experience and people will come back.

“The night-time buses definitely help too. You can see with the evening trains also to Cobh or Mallow — that definitely helps. So infrastructure is definitely part of it.

“People talk about the lack of taxis, but I think it’s the lack of customers very late. We have customers here at Sober Lane getting dropped off or collected by taxis, and we never have anyone who can’t get a taxi.”

European habit

Speaking about changing habits in the hospitality industry, he said food sales are up and people are in the habit of eating and drinking together.

“That European habit is very much here now,” he said.

Mr Cantillon also praised Cork City Council’s new CEO for her involvement in supporting hospitality, adding: “Valerie O’Sullivan was responsible for the appointment of TEAMS — tourism, entertainment, arts, and marketing — so she put together a really strong team for that more than 10 years ago. She had that vision and has supported hospitality and a night-time economy all the way along. Now that she is the city manager, it is no surprise that she is back driving it again.”

Essential

Ms O’Sullivan described the new strategy as being “essential to boost local business, promote safety and enhance social cohesion”. Lord Mayor Dan Boyle said the approval of the strategy marks “an exciting new chapter for Cork”.

Cork Chamber public and international affairs director Cathal McSweeney told The Echo: “Enhancing Cork city’s night-time offering will bring benefits for both residents and visitors to the city, boosting tourism, creating new business opportunities and improving night-time safety.

“As a member of the implementation group for the new strategy, we’re looking forward to seeing the new vision come to life, with a range of initiatives planned to transform Cork into a vibrant, 24-hour destination.”