More event centre hurdles

The stalled Cork event centre faces even more hurdles as talks to finalise its complex funding arrangement continue. If a deal is done, a cost-benefit analysis will have to be updated and submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure for their review and approval, city councillors were told.

And a preliminary submission on State aid rules which was agreed in principle by the European Commission will also have to be resubmitted. The details emerged during a lengthy debate at last night’s city council meeting on an update report from the council’s chief executive, Ann Doherty, on the proposed €80m, 6,000-capacity venue.