Food trucks to return to city centre as part of 'Summer Club' initiative 

Food trucks are set to return Rory Gallagher Place near Paul Street Shopping Centre in Cork city on Friday as part of a new initiative which will also bring performances to the city centre for the rest of the summer.

Vendors and customers expressed disappointment when the outdoor food court beside the former Paul Street shopping centre closed last month, with all food trucks leaving the area.

Cork City Council said at the time that while it was supportive of initiatives that animate and enhance public spaces in the city centre, “the planning authority has a statutory responsibility to take appropriate action where unauthorised activity is occurring”.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Fifth Quarter revealed that the food trucks would be returning on Friday as part of an initiative called The Summer Club which also promises to also highlight local businesses and bring music, dance, creativity and community to the plaza through a pilot programme which will run until the end of September.

They said: “The Summer Club is all about celebrating the people who make this city so special from the food trucks, local performers and creatives to families looking to make memories together this summer.” 

They thanked people who had supported them, and encouraged anyone who would like to showcase a talent to get in touch.

Labour councillor John Maher told The Echo: “I can’t wait to get back to enjoying this space and look forward to the new layout and experiences that are promised.

“I’m pleased for all involved with the Fifth Quarter as over the past weeks, I’ve spoken with them and they’ve shared the exciting plans they have for our city.”

A spokesperson for Cork City Council confirmed that it has granted a licence to the operators of The Fifth Quarter to use the plaza at Rory Gallagher Place.

The licence, which is valid until late September, allows for the operation of the space between 12 noon and 9pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 9pm at the weekend.

The spokesperson said: "We stated in June that the City Council is broadly supportive of initiatives that animate and enhance public spaces, especially in the city centre, and that we are open to engaging constructively with interested parties to develop good ideas that improve the overall city centre experience, provided they are delivered in a compliant, structured and well-managed manner.

"We have delivered on that commitment, and we look forward to seeing the reactivation of this wonderful space."