Crucial constituencies: Cork South-Central profile – Candidates and issues

Tomas Doherty

Cork South-Central has long been where the big beasts of Irish politics have battled it out, but change is certain in this election as Michael McGrath and Simon Coveney stand down.

Here is everything you need to know about the area before heading to the polls on November 29th.

The constituency

Cork South-Central is broadly middle class with working-class enclaves in Togher, Ballyphehane and Mahon.

The constituency also includes the commuter town of Carrigaline as well as Cork Lower Harbour, home to many pharmaceutical companies.

The boundaries of Cork South-Central have expanded slightly since the last election to take in 12 electoral districts in Cork city centre that were previously in Cork North-Central. The population of the constituency is 153,441.

The issues

Housing is a major concern in Cork South-Central, with most households in the city centre renting from private landlords and rents soaring in recent years.

Another concern is transport, with the upgrade of the N28 to motorway underway and proposals being developed for a light rail line in the city. Cork airport is also in the constituency.

City centre safety, policing and flood defences are also key issues, with work on the Morrison’s Island public realm and flood defence scheme underway.

Seats

There are five seats in the constituency, an increase of one since the last election.

The candidates

With two high-profile TDs standing down and an extra seat up for grabs, this election will see a big change in Cork South-Central.

Fianna Fáil seems set to keep two seats, with Sinn Féin and Fine Gael likely securing one each. The real battle will be for the final seat.

Outgoing TDs

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire – Sinn Féin
Micheál Martin – Fianna Fáil
Simon Coveney – Fine Gael
Michael McGrath – Fianna Fáil