Cork City traders say Cook St has become a 'public toilet'

Scaffolding and hoarding at the former Victoria Hotel, Patrick St/Cook St, Cork City. Pedestrian access has been restricted to a narrow 'laneway', angering business owners. Picture: Larry Cummins

Businesses on Cork City's Cook St  say they have been "shafted" by City Hall, because ongoing construction works have made the street the "newest public toilet".

Proprietors on Cook St have written to Cork City Council expressing their "deep dissatisfaction and anger" at works linked to the former Victoria Hotel.