Government to pour further millions into Cork event centre project
Micheál Martin has confirmed that Cabinet will make a final decision on the level of further public funding early in the new year with construction expected to start in the first quarter of 2024. File photo: Populous
The Government is expected to sign off on a further multi-million euro financial top-up to deliver the Cork event centre project.
While €57m in State aid has already been pledged, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has stressed that there is still a "strong case" for progressing with the project despite significant delays and budget overruns.
He has confirmed that Cabinet will make a final decision on the level of further public funding early in the new year with construction expected to start in the first quarter of 2024.
"The balance to be weighed up is the overall benefits to the regional economy, to the city of Cork in respect of a convention centre," Mr Martin said.
"Remember Government strategy is to create strong regional cities, therefore they have to have centres that act as a magnet for attracting investment and tourism and conferences. So that's the assessment we will make in respect of the Convention Centre.
"It will be not just about the Convention Centre itself but what will the impact be on the wider city and the wider region, and the increased income coming into the city as a result of provision such a centre."
It is understood Cork City Council provided Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien with a final detailed submission before Christmas, which included a request for additional State support.
Asked if he thinks the project still represents value for money, Mr Martin said: "I think there is still a strong case, yes, to be made for the Event Centre."
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has said he will be prioritising the Castlemartyr bypass ahead of of the final phase of the Midleton northern bypass.
Cork County Council recently asked for priority approval for funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to upgrade the Midleton to Carrigtwohill (N25) road, however construction is still unlikely to get underway until at least 2027.
Mr Ryan said there isn't "that much through traffic" in Midleton as the town has already been bypassed to the south.
"Castlemartyr, its main street has all that that traffic coming from Waterford to Cork so I think that probably would come ahead of Midleton," the Green Party leader said.
He added: "I think we've got loads of these incredible 19th-century market towns. Each of them would benefit from becoming this really attractive place to live and work and shop and so on and by taking the through traffic out you really enhance that, so yeah, I'm unashamedly saying we should really push."
