Cork TDs question Taoiseach about task force for the city

Two Cork TDs have shared a wish list of things they would like on the Cork city task force, which was promised as part of the programme for government.

Fianna Fáil TDs Séamus McGrath and Pádraig O’Sullivan, speaking this week in the Dáil, both asked the Taoiseach when the Cork city task force will be established.

Micheál Martin said that proposals are being developed, and, once finalised, would be submitted to the Government for consideration. Mr Martin said that the role of the task force will be to develop a strategy for the renewal and refurbishment of the city centre of Cork.

Mr O’Sullivan said: “If I look across my side of the city, I can see it is beset with planning difficulties, for example relating to two of our three primary care centres. 

“We would like to see an elective hospital delivered in Glanmire as quickly as possible.” 

He also mentioned the Northern Ring Rd, saying: “I emphasise that all of these projects would, hopefully, feed in to regenerating and rejuvenating the city we love so well.”

The Cork North Central TD also sought political representation on the task force.

Meanwhile, Mr McGrath said that Cork city “requires investment, rejuvenation and a continued focus”.

“The issues of dereliction, vacancy and under-utilisation of buildings are critically important. Hopefully, we can align with our aims in of improving housing supply when it comes to housing over shops.

“The under-utilisation of buildings in the city centre is a blight in Cork and the task force needs to deal with this.”

He also called for progress on the proposed light-rail system, among other measures.

He added: “People, unfortunately, do not feel safe in the city centre. The lack of a visible Garda presence and the lack of a proactive policing-management plan for the city are issues I hope the task force can deal with.”

Mr Martin acknowledged the list of issues, saying: “Deputy McGrath was correct in saying there is under-utilisation of buildings in Cork city.

“In the transportation area, light rail is coming to the city centre. The transformation of Kent Station is a great platform, excuse the pun, to energise the city centre.”

He added that safety in cities was “the context for much of the work of the task force”, saying that measures to increase Garda resources have been taken, but that further action is required.