Docklands' make-over moves coser

The regeneration of the city’s docklands will be a project of international significance.

That’s according to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin who was speaking as Cork City Council and the Land Development Agency (LDA) confirmed the establishment of a new delivery office.

The Cork Docklands Delivery Office will be funded by the LDA and Cork City Council and will be tasked with creating partnerships and removing obstacles to development. The LDA and Cork City Council will begin the search for a programme manager immediately, who will lead the Cork Docklands Delivery Office.

In the first 12 months of operation, it is hoped that the delivery office will review all existing plans, meet key landowners and stakeholders and develop a deliverable but ambitious five-year strategy.

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said: “This delivery office offers an opportunity to a create a magnet for investment into Cork city. It will further establish Cork’s position as a major city and the initiative underlines this Government’s commitment to balanced regional development.

“The establishment of strong regional cities is a key aim of the National Planning Framework and will help create opportunities for people across the island.”

Ann Doherty, Chief Executive, Cork City Council, said: “Cork Docklands represents the most exciting urban regeneration site in Ireland and Europe and is a key component of the development strategy for Cork city. Today’s announcement is another milestone in our vision to develop Cork City Docklands as one of the best places in Europe to live and work.”

Cork City Docklands is Ireland’s largest regeneration project. Over 146 hectares of land will be developed over 20 years which will accommodate a population of 25,000 and a workforce of 29,000 along with a student population of 3,700.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Joe Kavanagh said: “Cork city is poised to be a key driver of Ireland’s economic growth to 2040. In the National Planning Framework, the Government set a range of targets for Cork to ensure that it can deliver this ambition. The population of Cork city is targeted to grow by 50 per cent by 2040. This will strengthen Cork as a city of scale, whose citizens can enjoy the benefit of significant economic expansion.”