‘Competitive Cork’ at heart of report

The need to protect Cork’s ability to compete globally is at the heart of the Mackinnon report, claims City Hall.

Rejecting suggestions that efforts to extend the city boundary is a “land and rates grab”, officials have warned that Cork City risks becoming a third- or fourth- tier city without a substantial boundary extension — its first since 1965.

City council chief executive Ann Doherty said the council has always asserted that Cork has a vital national role to play as Ireland’s second city, and that its potential to fill this role is highlighted by the MacKinnon report.