Cork Docklands Development Forum

Background

In line with the Government objective of promoting balanced regional development, Cork was designated as a key “Gateway City” under the National Spatial Strategy. Cork has a population of over 186,000 and has the largest urban and economic centre in the South West Region. It has a strong economic base, with extensive FDI in dynamic sectors such as ICT and pharmaceuticals. It also has a thriving and growing indigenous sector. With its strong academic facilities, new modern airport and significant port and deepwater facilities, the key challenge now will be to accelerate its rate of development and population growth, focusing particularly on the potential of the city’s central area – the Docklands.

The regeneration of Cork Docklands was identified in the National Development Plan as one of the key development and investment provisions for the Cork Gateway. The NDP recognised that the area has the capacity to accommodate an additional population of at least 15,000 people. The regeneration of this area will result in significant commercial activity with associated job creation opportunities. Both national and local plans envisage the transformation of the Docklands into a new mixed urban quarter over the next 20 years, with at least 6,000 new residential units, of which 300 will be social housing, with 900 affordable housing units and education/research space, in addition to commercial and retail.

The NDP recognises that investment in physical infrastructure to trigger subsequent private investment in the area is necessary. In particular, the NDP identifies the need for priority investment in roads, water services, port relocation and associated infrastructure to facilitate the Cork Docklands regeneration.

The European Commission have agreed that Regional Aid Guidelines that are being phased out in mid 2008 be extended to the Cork Docklands Area until 2013.  This will facilitate possible tax based or other financial incentives for urban regeneration

In recognition of the above, the Government has decided to establish a Forum to oversee the development of the Cork Docklands area.

November, 2007.