Historic street should be revitalised as Cork’s answer to Temple Bar

WITHIN 10 years the physical landscape of Cork city will be changed utterly. The regeneration of the City Quarter area, allied to the exciting proposals for the docklands (the proposed Atlantic Quarter), will alter the face of Cork forever and elevate the city and its environs to a bright, brand new plateau.

With this in mind, perhaps now is the time for the city authorities to focus energies on some of the more historic areas of the city that are in need of intervention.

None more so than Barrack Street — a place replete with rich history and unique character.

A walk down Barrack Street from the junctions with Green Street and Bandon Road to the South Gate Bridge reveals a sad tale: no less than 20 properties lie wholly or partly derelict or unused.

What a shame for the famous street that has its own brass and reed band, its own 16th century star fort and a place that has such close links to one of the city’s most famous landmarks, St Finbarre’s Cathedral.

Certain business people in the street, and nearby, are bucking the economic trend and outlaying large investments to develop properties and businesses and maintain a bit of pride in this historic area of the city.

But extra incentives such as tax breaks or designated urban renewal status should be made available to them and other like-minded people to redevelop this area as Cork’s Temple Bar.

The development of Elizabeth Fort as a heritage/tourist centre could kick-start the revival.

Along with the blueprints for the docklands, the plans to capitalise on Cork harbour and the project earmarked for the Butter Market, the long-term value to the city of a revitalised Barrack Street surely would be priceless.

Michael Finn

6 Annmount

Friars Walk

Cork