Maritime city rivals to compete for Tall Ships event

CORK city is about to go head-to-head with Waterford in a bid to host the Tall Ships Race in 2011.

But there are concerns that ESB pylons erected across the lower harbour could scuttle the plans.

City manager Joe Gavin told councillors he will put together a bid to secure the prestigious multi-million event for the city to mark the 20th anniversary of the race’s last call to Cork.

However, Green Cllr Chris O’Leary has asked Mr Gavin to discuss the pylons issue with the ESB.

Cork will also face tough competition from Waterford which hosted last year’s event and which has already launched its bid to get the race back in 2011.

Waterford attracted up to 450,000 people to the city to watch last year’s event.

It generated an estimated €30 million for the local economy and up to €6 million in positive publicity.

Race organisers Sail Training International (STI) approached Waterford city officials after the race and asked them to prepare a formal bid for 2011.

The council has already had discussions with a number of partner organisations including the Port of Waterford and Fáilte Ireland with a view to preparing a formal bid. Work on their submission began last month.

But Cork city councillor Tom O’Driscoll said Cork should also launch a bid for the 2011 event.

It would be fitting given that 2011 would be the 20th anniversary of the race’s last call to Cork, he said.

Waterford city manager Conn Murray said while competition would be tough, his city is in a very strong position.

“Our hosting of last year’s event generated tremendous goodwill among the sail training community across Europe and beyond and we are hopeful of a positive outcome to the bid process,” he said.

“Waterford will be in an even stronger position to host the massive crowds the event attracts by 2011 as the Waterford City Bypass and the dual-carriageway linking the city with Dublin will both be in use.”