More than 700 vacant and derelict properties across Cork city
Calling Be Forum Use Future Again Will The The Debenhams Finn, Of Holding In Centre, Soon Discuss A Building The Mick Cork For Cllr To Said Of City Former
There are now 705 vacant and derelict properties across Cork city with the number of buildings on the derelict sites register up almost 50% in only the last year.
Of those 705 properties, 390 are either confirmed as derelict or being investigated under the Derelict Sites Act.
In all, 162 buildings have been placed on the derelict sites register, up 49% from the number on the register at the start of 2023.
Concerns about vacancy, dereliction, the cost of parking, anti-social behaviour and maintenance come as it has been confirmed a symposium is to be held on the future of the city.
City councillors discussed a range of dereliction and maintenance issues at the council’s March meeting and considered a report on foot of a motion from Independent Cllr Mick Finn calling for the holding of a forum to discuss the future of the city centre.
“We all know there are a lot of challenges facing cities — we are seeing it in cities around the world,” he said. “But there are signs of change for the better, with the former Debenhams building coming back into circulation soon — that will give the city a huge boost.
“We can be confident but we need to be realistic about the challenges too.”
He said the symposium would be an opportunity to hear from as many stakeholders as possible — those who live in, work in and interact with the city on a daily basis.
“The crucial part is that it listens to as many voices as possible,” he said.
In a report on Mr Finn’s suggestion, Fearghal Reidy, the council’s director of services for Strategic and Economic Development, said the city centre is changing with a mix of new investments along with business closures.
“City centres globally are facing challenges as a result of the evolving nature of retail, increased hybrid working, and increasing costs,” he said.
“Cork City Council is implementing a city centre economic and revitalisation strategy, which was agreed by the council in 2022.
“This focusses on enhancing the experience of the city centre.
“In recent times, there has been significant transformation of the city centre, with increased pedestrianisation, investment in public realm, enhanced outdoor dining, sculpture trails and outdoor performance.
“There has also been an enhancement and increase in the festivals and events.
“This is set to continue as further planned investment in the city centre is set to continue, all with the purpose of enhancing the city centre as a place to visit, live and work in.
“Now that the plan is over two years since its preparation, it is time to take stock."
He said the symposium will review international trends and good practice and may inform policies and strategies for the city centre.