Cork city centre nightlife in the running to win a purple flag

Cork is bidding for a national award to recognise its night-time economy.

The City Centre Forum has submitted an application in an effort to win a Purple Flag — an accreditation scheme similar to the environmental Green Flag — which recognises cities with well-managed, diverse, entertaining, and enjoyable evening and night out economies.

Various stakeholders have been working on the bid for several months, including Cork Chamber, the city council, gardaí, the Cork Business Association, and traders in MacCurtain St and North Main St.

Representatives from the tourism, transport, retail, security, hotels, restaurant, bars, and the arts sector were also involved.

Their work culminated in a self-assessment of the city centre area which focused on reviewing the evening and night-time offering under five headings — wellbeing, movement, appeal, place, and policy. A survey of more than 200 people also fed into the process.

As well as assessing the positives, the review also highlighted areas which need attention.

The final assessment, which will be undertaken by an external independent assessor, will take place in August.

Gillian Keating, who chairs the Cork City Centre Forum and who is leading the bid, said the Purple Flag is like a “gold standard” to which vibrant, modern cities should aspire.

“It requires a comprehensive set of standards, management processes and good practice procedures to be in place with regard to our city management and offering,” she said.

“We have a great city and there is a huge amount of effort being focused on the continued energising of our city centre area.

“This award will be a further string in the bow, and will be instrumental as a marketing and promotion tool as we expand the diversity of the offering available within the city and in doing so, further expand the appeal of the city to tourists and residents alike.”

Cork Chamber’s Purple Flag co-ordinator, Michelle O’Sullivan, said the city has a lot to be proud of.

“Hopefully, getting the Purple Flag award will set us apart as a must-visit location,” said Ms O’Sullivan.

Ten Irish cities already fly the Purple Flag, including Dublin, Ennis, Galway, Sligo, and Waterford. The latest awards will be announced in November.