Positioning Cork City for the Future: The Cork City Futures Group approved by Government
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
Today, Government approved establishment of The Cork City Futures Group to guide the future development of Cork City.
A dedicated body, to be known as The Cork City Futures Group, will work to unlock the city’s full economic, cultural and academic potential, alongside further investment, innovation and infrastructure.
The following Terms of Reference were approved today:
- Review the Cork City Centre Development and Operations Action Plan 2025-2030 and report back to Government on progress, barriers to progress, and to identify what needs to be done at local or national level to ensure Action Plan delivery.
- Make recommendations to Government on how Cork City can fully realise its potential for sustained foreign direct investment, domestic business development and innovation, and serve as a regional hub aligning educational and intellectual property assets with local and international enterprise.
- To maximise Cork City’s potential as a University City given the strength of UCC and MTU.
- Assess how the city can bolster the wider economic and social development of the hinterland, the region and nationally.
- Consideration of how Cork City’s arts and culture offering could be strengthened as part of the national offering.
The move actions a Programme for Government commitment to apply the Dublin City Taskforce model to other cities, towns and regions in need of revitalisation, starting with Cork City.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“The Government recognises Cork City’s strategic vision and its importance as an administrative, economic academic and cultural hub for the country.
“We are focused on facilitating Cork to reach its full potential. Cork has its own unique strengths and challenges, and we will work to that. Cork City Council is our key partner here in delivering the work and we look forward to a bright future for this wonderful city.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, said:
“This is a really important opportunity to further revitalise the great city of Cork and its growing position in Ireland as an economic powerhouse.
“Cork has so many offerings in the cultural, sporting and artistic space and the new Future Groups will be central to helping Cork become an even better place to live, work, visit and raise a family.”
Minister of State Sean Canney said:
“I welcome the agreement on the Cork Futures City Group as a key step in delivering on our Programme for Government commitments around rejuvenating our cities, towns and regions right across the country.
“Investing in our cities, towns and regions is key to ensuring strong regional development.”
The Group will be comprised of members representing Academia, Business, An Garda Síochána, the Arts and Culture sector, Tourism, Transport and the Community and Voluntary sector. Mr Brendan Tuohy, who is a former Secretary General, has been appointed as the Independent Chair.
The Group will provide a report and high-level implementation framework this year.