Developer ‘will leave Cork’ over council merger

Developer Owen O’Callaghan says he would consider moving his business to Dublin if a merger of Cork’s local authorities goes ahead.

Mr O’Callaghan, who has been based in Cork for more than 40 years and who delivered some of the region’s biggest retail and office projects, expressed concerns that the region is “sleepwalking” into a merger and criticised local politicians for not being more vocal on the issue.

He spoke yesterday as the Cork Local Government Review (CLGR) group continues finalising its report, which is expected to recommend a merger of the city and county councils. Mr O’Callaghan, who developed Mahon Point, Merchants Quay, and Opera Lane, said that if the recommendations are accepted by Government, he may have to consider relocating his retail and property development business to Dublin.