Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter, not just for his own city but for all of us across Ireland. As Ireland’s second city, Cork occupies a very important position in the economic, social and cultural life of the nation. I would go so far as to say that Ireland’s overall success is closely bound to the success of Cork city.

The Government is very aware of the challenges faced by our urban areas, such as Cork city, particularly in the wake of Covid. During Covid, we saw reduced footfall, changed retail habits, increased vacancy and dereliction, all of which led to a perceived sense of our towns and cities being less safe than before. It is fair to say that our capital city has demonstrated the worst effects of this in recent years. That is why, in May 2024, the Government appointed the Dublin city task force, chaired by David McRedmond, to take a holistic view of the measures required to rejuvenate Dublin city centre, north and south. The aim is to make Dublin city centre a more thriving, attractive and safe cityscape, and a desirable location to live, work, do business and visit. As Deputy Burke said, the Dublin city task force took an evidence-informed approach and made a series of recommendations. A roadmap for delivery of the task force report was published in June 2025.

These actions reflect the programme for Government commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Dublin city task force. As part of this, the Government has also undertaken to apply this task force model to other cities, towns and regions in need of revitalisation, starting with a task force for Cork city. We remain committed to this, acknowledging that Cork city faces many of the same challenges as Dublin, particularly around policing and safety, dereliction and cleanliness. With Deputy Burke and other representatives, I met with Cork Chamber of Commerce earlier this year. It was very clear that Cork city needed investment. The day centre that Deputy Burke spoke about in his contribution was referenced at that meeting. I know it is something the Deputy has advocated and campaigned for over a long period.

Cork city’s unique character and potential as our second city will, however, demand a tailored response. Cork city’s potential is fully recognised in its current development plan, which sets out how the city will grow and develop until 2028. The strategic vision is for Cork city to take its place as a world-class city, driving local and regional growth, and embracing diversity and inclusiveness. Intrinsic to this is Cork’s wealth of heritage assets and cultural amenities, which need to be invested in and protected. Other priorities for investment include large-scale regeneration projects in the Cork docklands and in Tivoli, and the development of a much-enhanced, citywide public transport system.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is not lacking in plans or vision for Cork city. The modern idea of a city is changing and there is an onus on us all to reimagine Cork city centre in that context. This is about how we sustain business, invest in the public realm, make our streets safer and get more people living in the centre, right in the heart of things. The joined-up thinking of a task force, bringing together relevant agencies and local expertise from different sectors, would be of great benefit in galvanising our collective efforts. I fully agree with the Deputy about this being needed. However, it is important that we get the terms of reference and the focus right. With that in mind, the Taoiseach has been in discussion with the chief executive of Cork City Council on how best to go about this, and he has asked officials in his Department to further consider the optimum approach in consultation with officials in Cork City Council. The outcome of these deliberations will be finalised and announced in due course.

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