Judge urges councils to embrace 'We are Cork' spirit in retail outlet centre decision

The judge said it is regrettable that litigation could not have been avoided.

Ms Justice Niamh Hyland said: “I am very struck by the tagline on the notepaper of both local authorities – 'We are Cork'. That tagline reflects the reality – Cork is made up of both the city and county."

A High Court judge has told Cork City and County Councils to remember their tagline "We are Cork" and not be isolationist in relation to a Kildare Village style retail development for the county.

Ms Justice Niamh Hyland has granted an application to lift a court-imposed stay on a direction of the Local Government Minister that Cork County Council annul a change to its development plan allowing for the €100m outlet centre in the east of the county pending full proceedings later this month.