Shandon’s revival: major €7m regeneration breathes new life into Cork’s historic quarter

Sarah Horgan speaks to locals about regeneration efforts around the Cork area, and finds out what more they think must be done to revive this historic and culturally important locale

The former Butter Exchange and St Anne's Church in Shandon. Picture: Jim Coughlan

As regenerations go, it might be Cork City's greatest comeback story.

Despite many false dawns, the people of Shandon are finally feeling hopeful about the future of an area that has long been blighted by vacancy and neglect. It comes several months after Cork City Council launched the Shandon integrated urban strategy (IUS) — an ambitious 185-page rejuvenation plan designed to breath new life into one of Cork's most historic streetscapes.