Cork city needs funding, not new taskforce, say councillors

The Government is considering a proposal by Cork City Council regarding its newly-approved city centre action plan, and looking at how a government taskforce fits into the picture, the Taoiseach has said.

Labour TD Eoghan Kenny asked the Taoiseach in the Dáil if, in light of the council’s action plan, he still plans to establish a taskforce; if he has read the action plan; and if he will commit to a city deal for Cork.

“Cork occupies a very important position in the economic, social and cultural life of our country,” Micheál Martin said in response. “The programme for government commits to applying the Dublin city taskforce model to other cities, towns, and regions in need of revitalisation, beginning with Cork city.

“Officials from my department recently met with Cork City Council and representatives from business and the community to exchange ideas on how to proceed with rejuvenating Cork city and share learnings from the Dublin city taskforce model.

“In recognising Cork city’s unique character and potential as our second city, the implementation of the taskforce model will demand a tailored response in line with the specificity of Cork city.”

It comes as Labour councillors Peter Horgan, Ciara O’Connor, and John Maher said there was no need for duplication of a city taskforce following the approval of the city centre action plan by councillors recently.

“As a Corkonian and a councillor for the city, we know what we need, and that’s funding,” Mr Maher said.

He said Cork would be improved if dereliction was addressed, there were more green spaces, better use was made of the River Lee, and the city in general was made more accessible.

“I don’t need a taskforce to tell me what I should or shouldn’t be doing in the city I am elected to represent — just give us the money and we will deliver.”

Ms O’Connor said: “If we want a city centre people can truly live in, and children can grow up in, we must properly resource the teams who deliver it. Real change needs expert staff, strong co-ordination, and investment in the green spaces that make urban life thrive.”

Mr Horgan added: “What we now need is a delivery model for the city deal for Cork, as envisaged in this action plan.

“There’s no need for duplication of resources, the effort, and time in this document can be realised by central government getting onboard and delivering the funding we need to make Cork even greater.”