Mapping out the future of Cork City

Cork City is set to be mapped out in the new Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). The LECP is a six-year plan that sets out the objectives and actions needed to promote the community and economic development of Cork city’s neighbourhoods and communities.

The Chamber was asked to deliver our views on one main question, “When dreaming big on the possibilities for the future of Cork City in 20 years: what inspires you and what trends or drivers of change can’t be ignored if we are to get there?”

What does the future look like? As we see it, and as our members envision it:

• We see a thriving and diverse business community.

• World class research and education institutes.

• A strong, diverse and multipronged economy and society enriched by our culture and arts.

• Cork as a location of excellence and innovation to flatten our climate curve;

All these visions supported by the right climate for a growing population with high density housing, a wellconnected sustainable public transport network, and a deep diverse talent pool.

What can’t be ignored to get here? Our members have identified four main interlinked areas.

Housing

Housing continues to be the number one concern for our members specifically high-density apartments on brownfield sites. For instance, the Docklands, an area of huge potential for Cork in terms of placemaking, business, and sustainability. The Docklands has potential for 10,000 homes but in order to unlock this potential joined up thinking is required.

A collaborative approach will allow for the delivery of key pieces of this jigsaw puzzle such as the delivery of the M28 which will allow for the relocation of the Port of Cork activities out of the city and into the lower harbour.

SKILLS, INTEGRATION, TALENT ATTRACTION AND RETENTION

Cork’s economic opportunities are all linked to the need for skills. Skills building is required to fulfil future needs, for example as we transition to an energy system run 100% on renewables, and also to ensure we can continue to attract high quality and diverse talent.

To attract and retain the skills needed to propel our city, and also to achieve our goals set out in the National Development Plan, we need to ensure Cork remains attractive to investment and talent.

ENERGY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND CLIMATE ACTION

Energy, security, sustainability and deployment of renewables will be key to Cork’s ability to tackle climate action. Cork’s designation as a 2030 climate neutral city requires faster change and diverse leadership to drive this agenda forward.

Public Transport And Connectivity

Active travel as well as getting people out of cars and onto public transport is one of the easiest ways to decarbonise our city region, decongest our roads, improve air quality, and attract international talent who expect to have a comprehensive public transport system to get around. The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy will play a key role in achieving this vision. Parallel to this is improving our regional, national and international connectivity.

Our Public Affairs team attended two workshops, hosted by Cork City Council, that were designed to stimulate thought and conversation, and also to help shape a vision for a thriving city. We were given the opportunity at both workshops to put forward our views as informed by our members.

While well-intentioned and very important, strategies and vision alone are not enough to drive change. Implementation in a large scale and bold manner is required to reap the benefits from these four interlinked areas that we see not only as economic enablers but also as a catalyst to further develop a truly sustainable, inclusive and thriving city.

“ Cork City Council’s workshops generated thought provoking discussions and the feedback was also mapped out visually on the night by an artist (pictured). Both Fiona O’Donovan and Ashley Amato from our Public Affairs team gave presentations on the night (pictured) which represented the priorities of our members.

Cork Chamber has also submitted to the Cork County Council Local Economic and Community Plan, 2023-2029 which will guide and shape our county and the communities that live within it over the next six years. As the population in the county continues to rise it is vital that this plan sets out a roadmap for future growth and improvement. “