City centre to get a fresh new face

Cork City Council is set to establish a dedicated City Centre Committee to help transform the heart of the city into a vibrant place to live, work, study, and visit.

The committee will oversee projects and advise on policies aimed at improving the city centre. It is part of a wider plan being developed by the City Centre Development and Operations Directorate (CCDOD), described as “in essence a start-up business” within the council and established in February this year.

Short-term improvements in the city already include new hoarding along the old railway line on Alfred Street to improve visibility, pilot hanging baskets on bridges and railings, and power washing of bridges and parapets to remove weeds and debris. The council has also supported Cleaning and Greening initiatives on North Main Street and Oliver Plunkett Street, overseen the Cork on a Fork festival, delivered painting grants for North Main Street, and organised night markets and coffee house late events.

Cork City Council Chief Executive Valerie O’Sullivan said the new committee will make it easier to coordinate improvements.

“Through this new council committee, the programmes and policies from the directorate, focusing on the management and future development of the city centre, can be discussed with members for implementation on the ground,” she said.

The committee will also guide medium-term initiatives, such as expanding grant schemes for private building and shopfront improvements, and setting policies for street furniture, signage, and overall city aesthetics.

Cork City Council aims to ensure the city centre is socially, culturally, and economically vibrant, offering a welcoming and attractive space for residents, workers, students, and visitors alike.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.