Address by Minister Martin to Cork Docklands Development Forum

Clarion Hotel, Cork, 10^th December, 2007, 10.30 am

I wish to welcome everybody to the first meeting of the Cork Docklands Development Forum. It is appropriate that the meeting is being held in the Clarion Hotel, which is located in one of the first development areas identified in the Cork Docklands Development Strategy of 2001. This has been a first class development that has added greatly to the City.

I particularly wish to thank Professor Gerry Wrixon for agreeing to chair the Forum and I am confident that he will lead the work of the forum with his characteristic energy.

Cork Docklands is an area of great opportunity and importance to the Cork Gateway, which itself is the key socio-economic driver of the South West Region and the second largest urban area in the State. It is also the area best equipped to counter-balance the development of the east coast and to provide the anchor of the Atlantic Gateways Initiative.

The Cork Gateway is recognised as a priority area in the National Spatial Strategy and the current National Development Plan. The NDP specifically calls for more investment in the Cork Docklands in physical infrastructure in order to trigger private investment. The Docklands are also seen as a priority in the South West Regional Planning Guidelines 2004 and the Cork Area Strategic Plan 2000-2020. Given the importance of the area to the Cork Gateway, it is appropriate that the wider community and business interests as well as Cork County Council are members of the forum along with the City Council, representatives of key Government Departmnets and local landowners.

This area differs from many other docklands-type developments, as you will see a little later when you take the short tour that is planned. It is very close to the city centre; it is not part of a large area of socio-economic disadvantage and it is not vacant or derelict. However, the presence of existing activities presents special challenges in securing redevelopment.

The vision outlined in the Cork Docklands Development Strategy of 2001 was acted upon by the City Manager with the setting up of the Docklands Directorate within the City Council. The Directorate set out to develop and implement a sustainable Planning and Development Framework, to engage in stakeholder consultation and engagement, to co-ordinate delivery of key public services and to promote an image change

This Strategy set out a number of proposals that were incorporated into the Cork City Development Plan 2004 and I am glad to say it has resulted in the development of three blocks identified in the Strategy; namely City Hall; Webworks/Elysian (which can be seen out of the window) and Clarion/City Quarter where we are now.

The focus has now shifted to the areas north and south of the river, downriver of the Collins’ and DeValera Bridges. This is an area of around 166 hectares, which is primarily in private ownership. In such circumstances, the role of the City Council has been to develop a clear, sustainable planning and development framework and to co-ordinate the delivery of key physical and socio-economic infrastructure.

This framework is set out in a number of plans and studies that have been made available to you. These include:

Cork North Docks Area Plan 2005

Cork Docklands and Economic Study 2006

Cork South Docks Local Area Plan due to be finalised in February 2008

Cork Urban Renewal Area Funding and Designation 2006

Cork Urban Renewal Area Designation for Tax Incentives 2007 and Cost/Benefit Study 2007

Cork Gateway Innovation Fund Proposal 2007

In addition, other studies and reports have been prepared that feed into these documents and help set the framework. A Business and Implementation Plan is currently being prepared that will set out an implementation framework. Also the fact that the European Union has agreed that State Aid can be extended to small and medium size enterprises in Cork Docklands until 2013 is an opportunity to be exploited.

Thus, the planning framework for Cork Docklands is already largely in place. The proposed target is to achieve a residential population of 22,000 and to have 27,000 jobs in the area. The challenge will be to create employment in high value-added, knowledge-based companies that are a better fit with the modern Irish economy and offer greater security in the face of intense international competition. The challenge is also to ensure that development takes place in a sustainable manner. The vision is that the Docklands will be transformed into a vibrant mixed-use urban quarter that will not be deserted at night or on week-ends like so many other business districts. I welcome the emphasis that national and local plans put on the need for new residential units as part of the regeneration and I particularly welcome the provision for social and affordable housing units in these plans as part of the overall mix. We all want to see the Docklands developed as part of a living city.

The Government is committed to its capital programme under the National Development Plan. It is vital that we develop our infrastructure if we are serious about being competitive. This commitment is evident in the recent budget. The onus is also on regional and local bodies to show vision and leadership and in this regard I note that the Cork Gateway has made an application to the Gateway Innovation Fund, which is currently under consideration along with other submissions in the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government.

In response to the various studies and reports that have recognised the importance of the docklands redevelopment project the Government has approved the establishment of the Cork Docklands Development Forum. This Forum will bring together the key Government Departments and local stakeholders. The terms of reference of the Forum clearly emphasise the crucial link between the local level and central Government Departments and Agencies in delivering on the strategies already in place. The documents already prepared by Cork City Council have set the framework. However, it is important that the Forum maintains it focus on the link between the local and national levels in order to ensure the implementation of the plans already prepared rather than becoming too involved in local detail.

Three clear barriers to the redevelopment of the South Docks have been identified:

1. The presence of SEVESO activities
2. The relocation of Port activities from the city quays
3. The need for improved access to the South Docks, which is effectively an island.

Proposals have been formulated to address these issues. For example, the Gateways Innovation Fund Proposal makes provision for the Eastern Gateway Bridge and the relocation of Port activities in the Cork. It is now up to the Forum to consider the best way in which to coordinate and deliver State investment in such a way as to facilitate regeneration and private investment. One of your first priorities, as set out in your terms of reference, will be to develop an over-arching framework for the work of the Government Departments, Local Authorities and State Agencies on the development of the area.

I am also pleased that the South Docks Local Area Plan identifies a large area for third and fourth level education purposes and high technology industries. This is entirely appropriate given the government policy focus on the knowledge economy. I am mindful of Professor Wrixon’s experience in these areas and I trust that he will bring his considerable experience to bear in driving this agenda.

I am aware that the redevelopment of Cork Docklands is a new concept in urban redevelopment for Cork as it is a high-density mixed use urban area that will present its own set of challenges. However, this redevelopment is crucial to the Gateway and it is important that it is achieved on time. I have a deep personal commitment to making it happen and this is why the Forum’s Secretariat is being provided through my Department. I am anxious to provide whatever assistance I can to the Chairman and all other stakeholders in delivering on this important project.

The terms of reference envisage a report being prepared for Government by the end of June 2008. I wish the group every success in their endeavours and look forward to the eventual delivery of a sustainable, regenerated and vibrant docklands area that will be of benefit to all the people of the region.

Thank you.