Written answers
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Department of An Taoiseach
Regeneration Projects
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
109. To ask the Taoiseach the current status of the Government’s commitment to establish a Cork city centre taskforce, as publicly referenced by him and by officials of his Department earlier in 2025; and the progress, that has been made to date in establishing this taskforce. [59281/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
110. To ask the Taoiseach the date on which his Department last met with Cork City Council or other stakeholders regarding the creation of the Cork city centre taskforce; and if he will publish the minutes or action points arising from that meeting. [59282/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
111. To ask the Taoiseach if a chairperson, secretariat or terms of reference have been designated for the proposed Cork city centre taskforce; and if not, the reason for the delay in appointing these. [59283/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
112. To ask the Taoiseach if funding has been earmarked within his Department’s 2025 or 2026 estimates for the establishment and operation of the Cork city centre taskforce; and if so, the amount allocated. [59284/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
113. To ask the Taoiseach if he remains committed to ensuring that the Cork city centre taskforce will be operational within 100 days of the next Dáil term; and the timeline for its creation, first meeting, and publication of an initial work programme. [59285/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
114. To ask the Taoiseach the main objectives proposed for the Cork city centre taskforce; the way in which it will coordinate with existing urban regeneration, business support, and enterprise initiatives in Cork city; and if he will ensure that its remit includes direct consultation with local businesses, residents, and elected representatives. [59286/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
115. To ask the Taoiseach if his Department has examined models used for city-centre regeneration in other jurisdictions, such as the Limerick Twenty Thirty DAC or the Dublin City Centre Taskforce, when designing the Cork initiative; and if those learnings will be published. [59287/25]
Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
116. To ask the Taoiseach if he will commit to publishing a quarterly update on the progress toward the establishment of the Cork city centre taskforce, including stakeholder engagement, budgetary provision, and measurable outcomes. [59288/25]
Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 to 116, inclusive, together.
As Ireland’s second city, Cork occupies a very important position in the economic, social and cultural life of our nation. The Programme for Government commits to applying the Dublin City Taskforce model to other cities, towns and regions in need of revitalisation, starting with Cork City. Recognising Cork City’s unique character and potential as our second city, implementation of this model will demand a tailored response in line with the specificity of Cork City. Other models for city centre regeneration have been considered but it is important that the terms of reference and the focus is aligned with the city’s needs.
Primarily, focus will be on tackling vacancy and dereliction, how to sustain business, invest in the public realm, make the city streets safer and get more people living in the centre. It will involve bringing together relevant agencies and local expertise from different sectors to galvanise collective efforts.
Officials from my Department recently met with Cork City Council and representatives from business and the community to exchange ideas on how to proceed with rejuvenating Cork City and share learnings from the Dublin City Taskforce model. I expect to see the developed terms of reference, tailored for Cork City’s specific needs, in the very near future.
There will be regular reports to Government on developments in both Dublin city and Cork city initiatives.
No comments