TRAN S FO R M IN G CO R K
M28 Ruling A Major Step Forward The High Court ruling in favour of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway has been welcomed by Cork Chamber as critical for the future development of Cork. Chamber President, Paula Cogan said, “The High Court ruling is clear and welcome setting a positive course for the M28. The M28 is a key infrastructural asset for facilitating safer travel, enabling the Port of Cork’s development which is of increased significance in the context of Brexit, opening up 220 hectares of lands in the Docklands to be developed for new housing, civic amenities and commerce and for opening up IDA lands at Ringaskiddy. It is essential that Government now allocates appropriate funding so that enabling works can begin without delay.”
Ms Cogan added: “The development will significantly enhance commuting and commercial movements along the corridor. To maximise the high value employment base in Ringaskiddy we must continue to invest in infrastructure that is fit for purpose. In addition, as the Port transitions to trading in a Brexit context, it is essential that every economic opportunity is realised and this route is critical to meeting both existing and potential demand. With significant steps being taken to enable our Docklands, the decision will give further certainty to investors as we continue to gather momentum for our globally competitive City region.”
Cit y Dockl ands De live ry Office Sig nific ant for Cor k Major Government Funding and Policy Measures Required to Deliver The decision taken by Cork City Council and the Land Development Agency to establish a Cork City Docklands Delivery Office, to accelerate the redevelopment of some 146 hectares of Cork’s prime waterfront location is essential to delivery. However, significant Government funding must now be allocated via the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to enable sustainable development of these brownfield sites. With appropriate support the area will deliver homes, schools, medical and social services, sports, office, hospitality, retail, two new bridges and green recreational space. If compact urban growth cannot be delivered in Cork, the City region will be resigned exclusively to a low density commuter model,
04
and Ireland 2040 will be significantly undermined. Without significant policy change in parallel to enable apartment viability, delivery will remain significantly challenged. Research conducted by Cork Chamber, CIF and EY-DKM has shown that the cost of constructing new apartments threatens to undermine Cork’s ambitious growth plans. Government must urgently address the viability gap if we are to deliver compact urban growth in Cork. Apartment cost must reflect the reality of salaries to meet the growing demand for city centre living. Measures such as a more targeted Help to Buy scheme, shared equity and tax changes must be set in play if we are to move from aspiration to reality.
Ireland 2040 projects the Cork metropolitan area’s workforce will grow by 65,000 by 2031 and the regeneration of our docklands will be an important step in facilitating those growth plans. It is essential that Cork grows sustainably, delivering the infrastructure and urban living spaces that will maintain Cork’s international attractiveness. Access to green spaces, sustainable transport, childcare and equality, all recently ranked as essential elements of our research on ensuring a sustainable vision for Cork.
