Snapshot of Cork City shows north/south divide

Cork has been hit particularly hard by the recession, with those living on the northside of the city having a higher chance of living in poverty or of experiencing poor health and social deprivation.

A comprehensive study, which profiles health and wellbeing on Leeside, found that:

* 14,611 non-nationals live in the city — making up 12.5% of the population;

* There are 12,000 gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the city;

* Unemployment in the city almost doubled between 2006 and 2011, from 6.3% to 12.1%;

* Just over 15% of the population is aged 65 or over, almost one third of whom live alone.

The report, entitled Cork City Profile 2014, combines a range of previously published data to form a snapshot of the city and its people, focusing in particular on health and social inclusion. It found deprivation in the city is above the national average, that living on the city’s northside is likely to mean a statistically higher chance of living in poverty or of experiencing poor health and social deprivation.

It also highlights the strong influence of University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology over the socioeconomic make-up of the city.

The report was written by researchers Tomás Kelly and Paul Hayes and profiles a “city of rich diversity, culture, and history”.

The report utilises the six electoral areas as dividing lines, but there is no escaping the findings that parts of the northside, in particular, appear to suffer disproportionate levels of social exclusion and deprivation, a finding that was accepted by Cork City Council chief executive Ann Doherty.

She said that the council was focused on supporting people in disadvantaged communities, but said it required an “inter-agency response” in which the local authority would play a key role.

“Our citizens in the north side of Cork City are continuing to experience challenges in allowing them to fulfil their potential,” Ms Doherty said.

“Yes, there is a significant waiting list for social housing and a different response is required. We need to continue with our regeneration programmes and our new builds and housing replacement which does require central government support and investment.

“We do need to focus very strongly on maintaining our existing stock and also in bringing houses back into commission that families may have moved on from.

“The local authority, no different to any other part of the country, has unfortunately and regrettably experienced losing key staff, [and] resources, but that isn’t an excuse not to make things happen.

“We are looking at and working very closely with the department into potential opportunities in relation to housing and I think there is a national recognition of Cork’s need.”