'A magical city whose people are its greatest asset' - Listen to the people's verdict on Cork on the Rise

The most successful development plans are always people led.

As Cork faces into a period of great change - with population growth, an expanding boundary and a unique heritage to protect - only the foolhardy would therefore ignore the views of its people in developing plans for that future.

So what do Cork's citizens want that future to hold? What direction do they feel the city is heading and what do they see as Cork's greatest strengths requiring protection in the future?

To find out the Irish Examiner, in collaboration with the Cork Institute of Technology, spent a day in the English Market to canvas the views of both those enjoying the sights and sounds of the market and some of those who make a living there.

The audio documentary which has emerged is presented, edited and produced by Matt Finnerty and Michelle Kelleher, and we hope you enjoy.

If you cannot see the audio embed above please follow the link here to listen to the documentary.

This documentary is part of an ongoing cross platform initiative in which the Irish Examiner aims to start a public conversation on what makes a city great and the decisions and joined up thinking needed to get us there.

As part of that initiative the Irish Examiner are publishing a special supplement free with the Irish Examiner tomorrow, April 26. The supplement will explore the opportunities and challenges facing one of the country’s fastest growing regions.

If you would like to add your voice to the debate please send us your own contribution on what you feel that future holds, what direction you feel the city is heading and what you want Cork to be in the decades ahead via our readers blog. Find out how here.

Don't forget you can also join the conversation on twitter using the hash tag #CorkOnTheRise or on he Irish Examiner's Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Matt Finnerty and Michelle Kelleher are masters students the Cork Institute of Technology studying Public Relations with New Media

Matt Finnerty and Michelle Kelleher