Cork urged to take on the capital

CORK needs to get its act together before it is outpaced by Dublin.

This is the view of Greg Coughlan, chief executive of property development firm Howard Holdings, who said Cork has a potential window of opportunity with the docklands project to attract new investment.

“The debate has started in earnest about moving a substantial part of Dublin Port activity out of the [Dublin] Docklands [to facilitate further development].

“If Dublin goes for it, it will have one very important added advantage in a few years time — a well-developed, integrated public transport system that will make it a very attractive proposition.

Mr Coughlan said Cork “can get its act together here and have several productive years to attract new investment”, provided the issue of port activity is addressed.

If not, “it may have to go head to head with a new- look, hungry Dublin that, as a capital city, will be well positioned to become the dominant player in the competition for investment,” he added.

Mr Coughlan was speaking at the Irish Examiner sponsored Cork Chamber briefing yesterday.

Howard Holdings will submit a €2 billion planning application Cork docklands development project, in November.

“We have gone to considerable lengths to ensure that it will reflect our vision of what a docklands project can be.

“We have retained the services of the finest Irish and international architects” including STW and HKR two renowned Irish Architects, Mitchell & Associates and Patel Taylor from Britain, “who have undertaken ground breaking, seminal projects”.

Howard Holdings will also employ London-based Foster and Partners.

Mr Caughlan added: “The docklands must have the best — iconic designs, enviable amenity, sustainability, the best public transport services. Anything less won’t work.”