'Firm' commitments for Cork projects would be 'more helpful' than establishing city taskforce

A dedicated Cork city taskforce is set to be launched, but the Lord Mayor of Cork has said that resources and timing commitments for existing projects would be more helpful than creating new plans.

The programme for government document states the new Government’s intention to implement the recent Dublin city centre taskforce, and says: “We will also apply this taskforce model to other cities, towns, and regions in need of revitalisation, starting with a taskforce for Cork city, which will launch shortly.”

It also contains a commitment to “work towards the completion of the Cork Events Centre to enhance Cork’s cultural landscape and boost the city’s regeneration”.

While the programme does not commit to a Cork Luas specifically, it says the Government will “ensure each metropolitan area has a tailored transport strategy including frequent bus services and light rail where appropriate”.

Lord Mayor Dan Boyle told The Echo: “While a task force might have some value in helping to identify future needs, Cork does not lack plans on projects that can and should proceed quickly.

“It would be more helpful to give firm resources and timing commitments to help the city projects that are in process and to start those that have long been promised.

“Strong commitments and the ending of vagueness are certainly needed on Cork Luas. Without early implementation of this, the future growth of the city will be hampered.”

Several Cork-specific medical commitments were made, including for the new elective hospital, surgical hub, and expansion of trauma services.

Additionally, a review is to be undertaken of national aviation policy to maximise the use of airports in the regions, including Cork. 

East Cork Fianna Fáil TD James O’Connor welcomed the document’s promise to “provide multi- annual funding clarity for roads budgets so agencies can plan accordingly”. 

He told The Echo: “I’m particularly proud that my suggestion of multi-annual road funding has been accepted by the Government leaders, which will increase productivity of road maintenance significantly over the lifetime of the current government. 

“Additionally, a number of reforms that I advocated for to improve infrastructure development have been included, such as a Cabinet committee on infrastructure and improve mechanisms for expenditure in the Department of Public Expenditure.”

Sinn Féin Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire described the document as “deeply disappointing”.

“It is vague, it is low on ambition or vision; there is very little new in it,” he said.

“In fact, it is actually doubling down on policies that have made the housing crisis worse, and the situation in our hospitals escalate.”