Cork City Futures Group interim report on city's revitalisation 'due shortly', says Taoiseach

The group was established in April, more than a year after a programme for government commitment to apply the Dublin city taskforce model to other cities, towns and regions starting with Cork City

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the group 'have met at least four times'. File picture

An interim report from an independent body assessing Cork City revitalisation is due shortly, the Taoiseach has said.

The Cork City Futures Group was established in April, more than a year after a programme for government commitment to apply the Dublin city taskforce model to other cities, towns and regions starting with Cork City.

The delays stemmed, in part, from issues with the name, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying at the time that Cork City Council were “fussy” about the use of the word taskforce, which the council said had “connotations of negativity”.

In the Dáil this week, Mr Martin told TDs who had requested an update, including his party colleagues Seamus McGrath and Pádraig O’Sullivan as well as Social Democrats’ Liam Quaide, that the group “will work to unlock the city’s full economic, cultural and academic potential, alongside further investment, innovation and infrastructure”.

The group comprises members representing academia, business, gardaí, arts and culture, tourism, transport, and the community and voluntary sector, as well as assistant chief executive of Cork City Council, Brian Geaney, and current Lord Mayor, Damian Boylan. Mr Brendan Tuohy, former secretary general, has been appointed as the independent chair.

The Taoiseach said of the group: “They have met at least four times and are due to publish an interim report shortly.” 

The group’s terms of reference include reviewing the council’s Cork City Centre Development and Operations Action Plan 2025-2030, and identifying any barriers to progress in the area of business, education and culture. It is expected that government funding will then be provided for works to address issues identified, though none has been committed yet.