Whenever and wherever societies have flourished and prospered rather than stagnated and decayed, creative and workable cities have been at the ...
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“Whenever and wherever societies have flourished and
prospered rather than stagnated and decayed, creative and
workable cities have been at the core of the phenomenon”
Jane Jacobs
Cork Chamber Submission
to the
Cork City Development Plan Initial Public Consultation
July 21st 2020
1
Prologue
“…I watch the other rituals of morning: Mr. Halpert unlocking the laundry's handcart from
its mooring to a cellar door, Joe Cornacchia's son-in-law stacking out the empty crates from
the delicatessen, the barber bringing out his sidewalk folding chair, Mr. Goldstein arranging
the coils of wire which proclaim the hardware store is open, the wife of the tenement's
superintendent depositing her chunky three-year-old with a toy mandolin on the stoop, the
vantage point from which he is learning the English his mother cannot speak. Now the
primary children, heading for St Luke's, dribble through to the south; the children for St.
Veronica's cross, heading to the west, and the children for P.S. 41, heading toward the east.
Two new entrances are being made from the wings: well dressed and even elegant women
and men with brief cases emerge from doorways and side streets. Most of these are
heading for the bus and subways, but some hover on the curbs, stopping taxis which have
miraculously appeared at the right moment, for the taxis are part of a wider morning ritual:
having dropped passengers from midtown to the downtown financial district, they are now
bringing downtowners up to midtown.
Simultaneously, numbers of women in housedresses have emerged and as they crisscross
with one another they pause for quick conversations that sound with either laughter or joint
indignation, never, it seems, anything between. It is time for me to hurry to work too, and I
exchange my ritual farewell with Mr. Lofaro, the short, thick-bodied, white-aproned fruit
man who stands outside his doorway a little up the street, his arms folded, his feet planted,
looking solid as the earth itself. We nod; we each glance quickly up and down the street,
then look back to each other and smile. We have done this many a morning for more than
ten years. and we both know what it means: All is well.
The heart-of-the-day ballet I seldom see because part of the nature of it is that working
people who live there, like me, are mostly gone, filling the roles of strangers on other
sidewalks. But from days off, I know enough of it to know that it becomes more and more
intricate. Longshoremen who are not working that day gather at the White Horse or the
Ideal or the International for beer and conversation. The executives and ·business lunchers
from the industries just to the west throng the Dorgene restaurant and the Lion's Head
coffee house; meat market workers and communications scientists fill the bakery
lunchroom.
Character dancers come on, a strange old man with strings of old shoes over his shoulders.
Motor scooter riders with big beards and girlfriends who bounce on the back of the scooters
and wear their hair long in front of their faces as well as behind. Drunks who follow the
advice of the Hat Council and are always turned out in hats, but not hats the Council would
approve. Mr. Lacey, the locksmith, shuts up his shop for a while and goes to exchange the
time of day with Mr. Slube at the cigar store. Mr. Koochagian, the tailor, waters the
luxuriant jungle of plants in his window, gives them a critical look from the outside, accepts
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a compliment on them from two passers-by, fingers the leaves on the plane tree in front of
our house with a thoughtful gardener's appraisal, and crosses the street for a bite at the
Ideal where he can keep an eye on customers and wigwag across the message that he is
coming. The baby carriages come out, and clusters of everyone from toddlers with dolls to
teenagers with homework gather at the stoops.
When I get home after work, the ballet is reaching its crescendo. This is the time of roller
skates and stilts; and tricycles, and games in the lee of the stoop with bottletops and plastic
cowboys; this is the time of bundles and packages. zigzagging from the drug store to the
fruit stand and back over to the butcher's; this is the time when teenagers, all dressed up
are pausing to ask if their slips show or their collars look right; this is the time when
beautiful girls get out of MG's; this is the time when the fire engines go through; this is the
time when anybody you know around Hudson Street will go by.
As darkness thickens and Mr. Halpert moors the laundry cart to the cellar door again, the
ballet goes on under lights, eddying back and forth but intensifying at the bright spotlight
pools of Joe's sidewalk pizza dispensary, the bars, the delicatessen, the restaurant and the
drug store. The night workers stop now at the delicatessen, to pick up salami and a
container of milk. Things have settled down for the evening but the street and its ballet·
have not come to a stop.”
Jane Jacobs the Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961.
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Introduction
Cork Chamber represents 1,200 members employing over 100,000 people and is the largest business
representative body in the Southern Region. Our vision is for Cork to be the best place for business
and to do this our mission is to empower a thriving and influential membership.
Cork Chamber welcomes the opportunity to make a submission on the Cork City Development Plan.
This submission is focused on positioning Cork as an area of exemplary economic resilience, by
mobilising our metropolitan area to differentiate itself internationally through the lens of the UN
Sustainable Development Goals. The Metropolitan Cork area is the most productive and efficient
economy of scale in the Southern Region and as such, is well positioned to deliver significant value
and growth to the national economy.
As an added nuance, our submission is influenced by the current pandemic where appropriate
throughout. While we recognise that strategic planning is about setting a long term vision, the
current pandemic has certainly heightening the senses around critical areas, such as mobility and
safety, and it is likely that this sentiment and legacy will remain to a greater or lesser degree
throughout the lifetime of the plan.
As with the whole of our work, this submission has been guided by our commitment to the UN
Sustainable Development Goals. Five specific goals have been identified by the Chambers Ireland
network, which we actively advocate for throughout our daily workflow:
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Our submission contains a major and significant appendix, our Sustainable Cork Programme
‘Building Economic Resilience’ report which sets out a vision for recovery set by almost 1,000 people
who engaged in our survey and 10 sectoral Think Tank focus groups. This report is also linked here:
https://issuu.com/chamberlink/docs/10749_sustainable_cork_research_findings_05-
web?fr=sYTE4NDEzNDg0MTc
The future for Cork, as envisioned by the National Planning Framework (NPF) and supported by the
Regional, Spatial and Economy Strategy (RSES) is key to the ambitions of the Southern Region and
the country as a whole. As a metropolitan area, Cork has a larger population than the other major
cities in the region combined and is predicted to grow in population significantly over the next 30
years. Cork’s advantages such as its harbour, coastline, global economic clusters, international
connectivity (port, airport and digital infrastructure), road infrastructure, health infrastructure,
water infrastructure, energy infrastructure, population base, world leading higher education
institutions, skills, culture and quality of life provide a strong platform to achieve the goals as
outlined in the NPF. While acknowledging that Cork has all the necessary credentials to provide a
solid foundation for the anticipated growth of both the City and County area, the provision of
adequate fully serviced development land capacity within the metropolitan area and a clear strategy
to accommodate forecasted growth is critical to the achievement of this national ambition.
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Through continued investment, aided by a strong development plan, there is an opportunity to
ensure that Cork not only meets its targets but continues to outperform other city regions.
Infrastructure provision and progressive placemaking will be critical in realising this goal.
Cork Chamber supports enhanced inter and intra-regional connectivity with investments such as the
M20, M28, N22 and Dunkettle Interchange critical to this. In the metropolitan area there is a
tremendous opportunity to enhance sustainable transport patterns by delivering on the Cork
Metropolitan Area Transport (CMATS). This can be supported further through balanced investment
in the broader metropolitan area, ensuring the goal of reducing sprawl by utilising existing
brownfield sites and by promoting placemaking and sustainable communities.
The recent Covid-19 measure have demonstrated the importance of the public realm in planning
and ensuring that people can continue to social distance whilst returning to pre-coronavirus
economic activity. The multiple pedestrianisation, cycle and outdoor dining initiatives undertaken by
City Council have created the positivity and national profile that can only be achieved by genuinely
progressive action on the ground. It is clear that Cork’s success throughout the lifetime of this plan,
will be based on our ability to deliver credible, quality-of-life focussed. Creating a holistic and
connected approach to placemaking and transport will be key to meeting sustainability and
environmental targets.
Cork also has a large role to play in the climate resilience of the country with its natural energy
resources and large renewable energy production capacity. We note that the objectives of the RSES
is to support and seek to strengthen these assets which should be robustly supported development
plan.
Settlements, Placemaking and Housing Delivery
The housing crisis is demanding significant growth in the delivery of housing and this must be
provided in a way that meets the needs of a growing population but also achieves the goals of the
NPF of sustainability, placemaking and reducing urban sprawl. The Urban and Rural regeneration
fund set up under the The National Development Plan 2018– 2027 provides €1 billion towards rural
projects and €2 billion for urban projects. Construction will be key to the economy and encouraging
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the construction of housing will play a major part in this. The availability of living accommodation
above businesses can form a key part of ensuring people have affordable properties to rent or
purchase and can remain in their own towns. Over the course of the development plan community
focus will be essential to ensure that social housing, affordable housing, and private housing is
seamlessly integrated and harmonious.
Infrastructure service providers are independent silo-based agencies and semi state service
providers with a national remit, centralized budget control and very significant and disparate
funding demands. Their list of investment priorities and service delivery programs may be very
different to those of the Cork region. The coordinated and timely delivery of such services has
significant impacts on the development consent process which can result in developments being
refused on the basis of being premature, due to these services deficits. For example, the delivery of
facilities such as wastewater treatment can be very difficult to deliver because of planning and
environmental constraints. The timeframe for the design and delivery of such facilities as providing
or upgrading a wastewater treatment plant can extend upwards of five years. Therefore, a
coordinated approach to funding and delivering each of the required services on a targeted “growth
areas” wide basis needs to be addressed. There needs to be close liaison, and concerted agreement,
between the Council and these agencies Irish Water (IW), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the
NTA, Bus Eireann, Iarnrod Eireann, ESB, Gas, National Broadband, LDA, IDA and EI to ensure that
these areas are not just planned growth areas, but areas where growth is delivered on.
While we note that it is not within the gift of a spatial plan to address this challenge, it is clear that
better funding, wider discretionary spend, proactive infrastructural investment decisions and
structured dialogue, must be agreed upon if the aims of the plan are to be fully realised. A forum for
agreeing priorities among infrastructural and local stakeholders could be a useful mechanism and
the functioning of CORE. The Dunkettle Interchange Traffic Management Forum is a microcosm of
how this collaborative approach can be very effective.
As we transition from Covid-19, it will be necessary to adhere to social distancing measures to
ensure the economy restarts in a meaningful way, whilst meeting the requirements of restricting the
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spread of the virus. This can be achieved by reimagining and reengineering our existing public spaces
and creating an adaptive environment. The recent lockdown and movement restrictions show the
importance of planning the public realm in a way that meets the needs of citizens to live and work in
their locality.
Creating spaces which promote cycling and walking in a safe way have significant benefits, not only
for individuals in reducing obesity and other health related issues, but also the economy. People
who utilise these forms of transport spend significantly more than their car bound counterparts.
They require less space to store their bikes and the infrastructure required can be installed quickly
and cheaply. Leveraging existing and planned greenways and cycleways to extend the safe
passageway for cyclists and walkers will make Cork more enticing to visitors and encourage active
and sustainable tourism.
A City Rising
Our City is absolutely pivotal in the fabric of Cork life and ensuring success will require bold short-
term action and long term thinking in the face of the current crisis. It is not possible to address the
almost infinite number of functions that the City provides, yet in the following section we set out
some points which are key to Chamber members.
Getting people safely into our City and making it possible to adhere to social distancing
requirements is achievable within the existing space, but this space needs to be redefined. To attract
footfall, first and foremost, the City Centre must be a place where people want to spend their free
time. To achieve this is we must have an exemplary people focussed environment. The pandemic
has shown that both work and consumerism can function very well online. As such the decision to
spend time in any urban location that does not also have a residential aspect is increasingly
discretionary. Towns and cities that do not have residents, or that fail to be attractive destinations
may not see a return to credible levels of footfall.
The Development Plan must actively support the development of brownfield residential
development, not just of signature landmark sites such as the docklands and Tivoli, but through the
city core and suburbs. Fine grain brownfield accommodation will be required to enliven the city,
bring people to the streets, and add colour life and vibrancy. Developers and investors should be
8
able to identify opportunities and bring them in an entrepreneurial manner to the City planning
Department. A brace of apartments where a commercial building has stood idle, a terrace of slight
houses, a large-scale complex where there was once a large retail unit. There should be flexibility
regarding tenure and typology. Making projects commercially viable may require blends of office,
accommodation, and other uses. No two projects are the same and the development plan should
encourage dynamism.
A City that is home to two universities in UCC and the MTU must take every step to encourage their
development and strength as centres of education, diversity and economic activity. The evolution of
both campuses will continue to present momentum, and this must be catered to. In addition,
student accommodation will need to be continually strengthened and developed further.
The plan should support bold architecture that caters to tiny details and specificity of place as well as
to large signature statement pieces. It is better to have developments that inspire debate than to
encourage monotonous forms. The plan should encourage an appropriate number of high-rise
developments which can be signature pieces for the City that add a truly contemporary aspect for
generations to come. Heritage must be respected and preserved where possible, yet adapted and
enhanced where appropriate. As ever, subjectivity will remain strong, but the plan should seek to
encourage rather than inhibit the appropriate adaptation of heritage buildings and aspects, ensuring
that they are actively used and functional as a leading principal.
The development of new commercial and office space will continue throughout the lifetime of this
plan. As preferences continue to evolve, it is clear that the plan should support the evolution of the
workplace. Co-working spaces and high-quality spaces for SME’s must be catered to as well as the
development of large floorplate offerings. In parallel the plan should be supportive of retrofit of
existing offices spaces to ensure they are fit for contemporary use.
Amending the public realm to accommodate cycling and walking will help with the return of
vibrancy, encourage spending and attract tourism. It is both functional and recreational.
Improvements to the public realm are considered important in creating a sense of place. The Cork
Cycle Network Plan and CMATS already provide a roadmap to the cycleways in development and
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planned for the future of Cork. We now have an opportunity to bring these projects forward and
stand amongst the great regions of the world who are also taking this opportunity to meet the
challenges of the 21st century and deliver them now. Much can be done before the formalisation of
the Plan, but the Plan must set the framework to continue this good work.
Public realm extends beyond the facilitation of mobility and the provision of casual and formal
spaces for recreation must be a clear focal point for this plan. Seating and planting must be
enhanced throughout the City, pocket parks and parklets should be encouraged and provided and
the existing parks should be upgraded and refined. Green roofs also offer a potential for enhanced
biodiversity, noise and water attenuation, cleaner air and recreational sanctuary. The plan should
support the adaptation of any property that can be retrofitted in this regard and actively promote
this in any new build.
Indigenous planting, enhanced biodiversity and afforestation targets should clearly be set out in the
plan. It should be supported by all new build developments, and ambitious targets should be set for
retrofitting greenery throughout the metropolitan area.
While outdoor recreation is highly valued, it alone is not sufficient in dealing with our varied
weather, seasonal changes and individual preferences. The plan must support all manner of
developments from gyms, to indoor pitches, to rock climbing or an Olympic pool.
The plan must provide a strong policy context to support street art, paint and graffiti which will
naturally complement the brilliant legacy already being set by the placemaking fund. It is essential
that art is woven throughout our City as well as in our galleries and is a hallmark of Cork for years to
come. The plan must also continue to provide strong policy context to support the development of
the Events Centre, Crawford Art Gallery, and any other cultural institution that seeks to enhance and
evolve its contribution to City life.
Retail and hospitality provide that literal shop window for those enjoying our City streets and a
thriving retail and hospitality sector is essential to the attractiveness of the City. From the multiple
indigenous shopfronts, bars and restaurants to the hotels and large retail chains – each has a role to
10play. It is essential that the development plan is supportive of this sector and seeks to encourage
footfall by creating an experience that is fundamentally enjoyable for all. Bars and restaurants must
have access to the streets, people must be the focus, and the environment in which these
businesses operate must be softened and improved.
City and town centres will play a vital role in the County’s economic recovery when Covid-19
restrictions begin to ease. The proposed Retail centre in East Cork will provide a massive challenge
to achieving these goals as it will encourage people away from our city and towns and into their cars.
At a time when people need to be encouraged into our urban centres a retail unit drawing them
away will have a detrimental effect to recovery and would appear to be the anthesis of the aims of
the RSES and the NPF. An effective joint retail strategy is essential for Cork. We would encourage the
council to look at alternatives such as enhancements to our existing retail streetscapes.
The lack of public toilets in Cork is an anomaly that must be dealt with and that is bizarre and almost
without comparison in an international perspective. It is a wider issue that also extends to multiple
tourism and outdoor locations throughout Cork. The City should also provide for safe places for the
use of drugs to provide a safe space for addicts, offering some semblance of dignity, and removing
this activity from the streets.
The Chamber is ready as ever to work with the Council to ensure Government provides appropriate
levels of support for the Council, property owners and businesses to contribute to the improvement
of the public realm and streetscapes of local towns and village particularly in those areas of the
County identified for growth.
Transport and Mobility
One of the principal objectives of the Chamber is to put in place the essential infrastructure to
achieve a step-change in the use of public transport, to secure a transition to a low-carbon economy
and to ensure that our transport infrastructure continues to unlock the economic potential of Cork.
The Cork transport network must transform over the next number of years through the application
of CMATS including the planned upgrades to the Dunkettle Interchange and the planned works on
the Ringaskiddy N28 and Cork to Limerick M20. The Cork north ring road is also part of the overall
11M20 project. Although these projects are overdue and necessary from a transport and logistical
perspective, it is evident that the car cannot be the predominant method of transport for the people
of Cork and we need to look to other solutions.
CMATS includes significant bus and rail infrastructure and this will further enhance the
attractiveness of towns positioned to benefit. Walking and cycling reduce the amount of vehicular
traffic on the road and also provide benefits to both the individual and society. To encourage more
people to consider this there is a need to provide a safe infrastructure within which people can
commute to work either through walking or cycling solely or as part of a mixed use of the public
transport network. CMATS makes provision for improvements to this infrastructure which we
believe could be implemented quickly in a low-cost way through temporary barriers similar to those
introduced in Dublin on the quays. Additionally, the connection of existing planned greenways can
help create viable and safe cycling and walking links between urban and rural locations. Improving
these pathways to cater for both cyclists and walkers will encourage more users.
To be clear, cycling and walking are not a sole panacea for traffic congestion, but the benefits
outweigh the costs and can relieve pressure on our public transport, while creating a more enjoyable
environment for us all. For far too long, Cork has essentially been a one trick pony when it comes to
transport. Investment would be timely in light of the requirement for continued social distancing
and the restrictions on space within buses and trains. While the pandemic must surely be behind us
at the point of commencement of this Plan, the lessons learned must be capitalised on to robustly
enshrine and progress the plans already well set out and agreed in CMATS.
Advances in technology also mean that the bike can be motorised with electric pedal assistance and
therefore it will be increasingly appealing to a broad spectrum of people. The Council can use this
opportunity to rebrand the bike as a tool, not only for fitness and leisure pursuits, but as a viable
part of the transport mix. Cork is not disadvantaged in comparison with other cities in Europe where
this mode of transport is far more ubiquitous and just requires the leadership of the council to be
successful. We note the ongoing work of the TMF in this regard. The importance of transport
infrastructure to the growth plans of Cork indicate that it would be highly beneficial for the NTA to
have a Cork office focussed on delivery in complement to the work of the Council.
12Finally, we would encourage the City to plan for reduced speed limits in the city and urban centres of
30kph. This is the safest way to ensure all users of the road and path networks can be
accommodated within existing infrastructure. It enhances safety, reduces noise and pollution, and
helps our urban areas to be pleasant locations for trade and amenity alike. Continued focus on
traffic calming measures, such as islands, rumbles strips, speed tables, radar speed signs and other
comparable forms of infrastructure throughout the City and urban areas should be considered to
encourage motorists to adjust to a more considerate speed. This is another area in which Cork can
be a leader.
Waterways form an integral part of transport infrastructure in cities around the world and Cork has
the advantage of being home to the second largest natural harbour in the world. By virtue of the fact
that many of the Cork’s key commuter hubs and employment areas are located in the harbour area,
it would be remiss of this development plan to not afford due consideration to a study of water-
based transport options. CMATS states that “waterborne transport may perform a role for
facilitating certain movements and support of the Strategy. It is envisaged that these will come
forward and be delivered on a commercial basis.” The plan should commit undertaking a thorough
investigation into the viability of water-based transport solutions in collaboration with the County as
a means of easing traffic congestion and reducing reliance on cars throughout the City Region.
Economy and Employment
The predicted population growth in Cork will be driven by an influx of talented people encouraged
by all that our natural, social and economic environment has to offer. Economic resilience is key and
building on existing strengths requires us to look to embedded sectors with the same enthusiasm
and facilitative environment that created our economy in the first place. We cannot be complacent
about what we already have, nor about what we may achieve with strategic planning.
Cork has built an international reputation and track record as a location for attracting and sustaining
large scale indigenous and foreign direct investment in advanced manufacturing sectors such as
biopharmaceutical, medical technologies, ICT and food technology. These manufacturing sectors
13remain a cornerstone of the Cork regional economy providing high quality jobs and sustaining a large
network of supporting businesses.
A major factor in Cork’s success in attracting manufacturing FDI has been the availability of high-
quality serviced lands in strategic city environ locations, in particular, Ringaskiddy, Little Island and
Carrigtwohill. However, the success of these locations has inevitably led to a reduction in the
number of viable greenfield sites now available for new investment. Challenges in terms of access
(eg Little Island, Ringaskiddy and Carrigtwohill, Ballyadam) and the availability of key utilities to
support new, large industry are also coming under pressure. Increased competition from other Irish
regions seeking to attract manufacturing FDI in the high-tech manufacturing sectors has also
intensified over the past decade.
As part of the plan development, it is suggested that a strategic review be undertaken of how the
plan can specifically support the future growth of the manufacturing sectors and in particular the
established clusters of life science, ICT and food technology in the greater Cork region. A review of
the quantum, status and suitability of greenfield or suitable large-scale brownfield lands available for
short, medium and long term industrial development should inform a road map for re-establishing
Cork as the location of choice for high tech manufacturing.
A vibrant indigenous and innovation culture, also benefits from cross integration of industries and
specialists incubation centres such the Rubicon in Bishopstown and the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen.
The continued support for co-working hubs within the City and in metropolitan locations will be
important as both companies and people seek flexible ways to accommodate changed preferences
and ways of working.
In addition, the green economy will help to make Cork’s economy more resilient in the future and
supporting green initiatives now will make Cork an attractive destination for potential talent. To this
end, through the process of creating the CDP, the Council should closely monitor the evolution of
the EU Green Deal which will yield significant funding opportunities for those best positioned and
aligned to EU goals.
14Concepts such as the 15 minute city and doughnut economics must be actively explored and
promoted in the plan. These are not new concepts, at best they have been refreshed and
repackaged, but most importantly they have been re-energised. The prologue of this submission sets
out the beauty of getting this right and was written 60 years ago.
Tourism
Tourism is a critical sector to Cork and in addition to the existing unique selling points such as the
Ireland’s Ancient East corridor, Wild Atlantic Way Corridor and Ireland’s Maritime Paradise, there is
an opportunity through the advancement of the greenways and blueways to encourage the market
for active and sustainable tourism to add further market diversification to our tourism offer. Why
not create a greenway linking Cobh to Midleton and onwards to Cork? Or link the Youghal Greenway
onwards to Dungarvan? The Lee To Sea plan is enticing. There are huge opportunities for the taking
over the lifetime of this Development Plan. Additionally, an underutilised resource for the purposes
of tourism is the natural harbour and the river that runs through out City, both of which are prime
for enhancement of water-based activities and facilities. Cork should look to replicate the success of
the wild Atlantic way with a dedicated cycle and walking path of the harbour taking in the amazing
beaches, inlets, woodlands, towns and City Centre. The proposed maritime museum at the Port of
Cork would be an obvious City Centre focal point.
Environment and Climate Change
The recent extreme weather events have highlighted the impact of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
on our country and we must expedite adaptation and mitigation measures for communities to cope
with the reality of these becoming more frequent in the future. There is an evident desire amongst
the people of Cork to deal with these issues as recent climate marches have shown and now is an
opportunity to promote more climate friendly and sustainable modes of living. In the Anthropocene
age we must acknowledge that we more likely require adaptation rather than mitigation measures
to counteract the harmful effects of climate change to our country. Limiting warming global
temperatures to within 1.5 degrees requires a decrease of CO2 emissions to fall by approximately
45% from 2010 levels by 2030. We recently lent our support to the City Climate Adaptation Strategy
15and continue to support this work but mitigation must be equally prioritised within the
Development Plan.
Cork accounts for 13% of Ireland’s wind energy generation. Cork is also a hub for marine renewables
(tidal and wave rider tech), and solar PV. Solar PV has the potential to generate a very significant
portion of Ireland’s target for renewable electricity and the recent RESS announcement has
benefitted multiple Cork sites. Cork has a unique strength in the area of energy production for the
country and with renewable energy we can be a leader in the country in the provision of renewables
through wind and solar. However, although the appetite for wind and solar is well proven by the
volume of planning applications in the county, the development plan must also cater to the wide
range of technologies that may become viable over the coming years. Hydrogen, anaerobic
digestion, waste to energy, gas injection facilities, and our ever critical gas and electrical
transmission systems must be progressively supported in the plan. Given the focus on density and
community, district heating must also be firmly supported.
In terms of planning for waste treatment requirements to 2040, the National Planning Framework’s
National Strategic Outcome 9 – Sustainable Management of Water and other Environmental
Resources, expressly provides that this will require Waste to Energy (WtE) facilities which treat the
residual waste that cannot be recycled in a sustainable way delivering benefits such as electricity
and heat production.
The issue of waste merits further discussion. In light of a growing population and the associated
greater volumes of waste, an identified policy need for further progress towards self-sufficiency due
to the continued dependency on the waste export market and more ambitious waste legislative
targets contained in the Circular Economy Package, there is now a vital need for additional strategic
waste treatment capacity in the Southern Region as underlined in the National Planning Framework
and which is necessary if the region is to grow and expand in an environmentally sound and circular
manner. By supporting models of a suitable scale for urban deployment, the City should aim to play
its part by supporting facilities such as anaerobic digestion which offer a step towards economic
circularity and energy resilience.
16Green spaces and planting of trees should be prioritised given the proven benefits of both in the
reduction of GHG emissions and the health benefits. Another area of mitigation is sustainable
transport methods such as cycling and walking in addition to public transport which we have dealt
with throughout this document. This is an area of mitigation where the Development Plan can have
a strong impact on the category of emissions that is second only to agriculture emissions in Ireland.
Transport emissions are the number two contributor to Ireland’s overall GHG emissions and we
need to continue our efforts to transition our public vehicles to more sustainable sources of fuel
such as electricity and hydrogen. We must also provide for the rollout of electrical car charge points
throughout the City region. While this is obvious, policy support will nonetheless be required.
Additionally, planning for this type of infrastructure is a key element of placemaking and making
Cork a more attractive proposition for those planning to visit or move to Cork.
The All-Ireland pollinator plan and the value of indigenous planting must be emphasised in this plan
which will be a cornerstone not just for spatial planning but for the detail that is added to specific
planning applications thereafter. A concerted effort must be made to introduce indigenous planting
throughout the City immediately and throughout the duration of this plan.
Maritime Cork
The Port of Cork is the key seaport in the South of Ireland and is one of the only two Irish ports
which service the requirements of all six shipping modes i.e. lift on, lift off, roll on, roll off, liquid
bulk, dry bulk, break bulk and cruise. The ongoing Port of Cork Redevelopment Project in the Lower
Harbour will form an extension to the existing facilities that the Port currently operates in
Ringaskiddy. It is enabling the Port to facilitate larger vessels and ensuring long term international
competitiveness. The Port of Cork Ringaskiddy Redevelopment Project (new Container Terminal) is
already proving its worth as a strategic investment with new transatlantic shipping route recently
established. In the context of the current pandemic and the shifting sands of Brexit, the Port's
ongoing investment in the €80 million Cork Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy is already proving
visionary and purposeful.
17The port is ideally positioned for further investment with the development of a new container
terminal it will overcome the existing physical constraints in handling larger vessels and increasing
the ability of the port to adapt activities to match current international requirements. Among other
things, the port redevelopment will enhance the ability of Cork to maximise the potential for
increased sea freight direct to mainland Europe post Brexit. It will catalyse and influence wider
regional development, including the development of the tourism sector, the Cork Docklands at Tivoli
and Marino Point. In doing so it will grow Cork’s recreational and housing capacity.
In complement, the M28 is a strategic national primary route serving the EU TEN-T core transport
network, of which the Port of Cork is part. The criticality of this route to the continued resilience and
growth potential of the life sciences cluster cannot be overstated. The M28 is a critical component
for unlocking the full potential of the Port of Cork, industry and IDA strategic land holdings, and the
City Centre and must be firmly recognised as a critical piece of national infrastructure to be
completed within the lifetime of this development plan.
The Cork area is also home to the Irish Maritime and Energy Research Cluster (IMERC) in
Ringaskiddy, which is a branded partnership between University College Cork (UCC), Cork Institute of
Technology (CIT) and the Irish Naval Service (INS). The partnership focuses on the co-located assets,
services and supports of the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI, CIT), the Beaufort building
housing the SFI Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy (MaREI, UCC) and the Irish Naval Service
base at Haulbowline. The IMERC partnership focuses on education, research, innovation, and clean
technology, and supports the potential co-location of over 40 companies at this clustering location.
The vision of the IMERC partners is to promote Ireland as a world-renowned research and
development location that unlocks Ireland’s maritime and energy potential. IMERC was established
by the partners in 2010 with the focus on addressing global research and commercial opportunities
in the maritime and marine energy sectors.
Given the extensive financial services sector in the City, the current growth of the Port and the rich
and unique maritime heritage of Cork, the concept of an international shipping services centre
18should continue to be supported as a potential USP for continued inward and indigenous
investment.
In short, the lower harbour has unique existing assets, and the future of the lower harbour and city
centre are inextricably linked from both an economic and developmental perspective. The Plan
should be supportive and facilitative of this complementarity and the opportunity that it can yield
for all of Cork.
Conclusion
There is a considerable opportunity for this development plan to pave the way for greater social,
economic and community resilience for Cork. Our submission is grounded in countless surveys,
conversations, meetings formal and informal inputs, the strategic direction of our Partners, our
Board, our Public Affairs Council, and our SPC representatives. Most significantly it is also grounded
in the Sustainable Cork Programme: Building Economic Resilience Report which is attached as a
significant section and not as a secondary appendix.
We thank Cork City Council for the opportunity to contribute and look forward to engaging further
as the Plan continues to develop. We urge that every opportunity to be dynamic, responsible,
inspiring, and responsible is taken in the development of the next draft.
19BUILDING ECONOMIC RESILIENCE 1
Building Economic
Resilience2 SUSTAINABLE CORK PROGRAMME
Contents
Foreword 03
Executive Summary 04
Business and the Sustainable Development Goals 08
Sectoral Think Tanks 11
Life Sciences & Manufacturing 12
ICT & Digital Economy 16
Tourism, Hospitality, Leisure & Retail 20
Culture, Arts, Community & Media 24
Built Environment 28
Agriculture, Food & Drinks 32
Education & Training 36
Transport, Energy & Maritime 40
Services including Financial 44
Health 48
Imagineer Your City, Your County: Survey findings 52
Participating Organisations 56
Glossary of Acronyms & Terms 58BUILDING ECONOMIC RESILIENCE 3 Foreword At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic the Chamber board and team committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the resilience and continuity of business was upheld throughout this crisis. To do this we initiated the Sustainable Cork Programme, to refine and focus our activities on building economic resilience through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This report, was initiated to understand, sector by sector what recovery means to the business people of Cork. Through ten sectoral Think Tank discussions chaired by ten members of the Board, and an open public survey, almost 1,000 people took the time to share their views. What we found was a clear and stunningly progressive vision of a better Cork. Deep and wide ranging state supports are essential to minimise the economic devastation being caused by COVID-19 and this is understanding is deeply embedded in the day to day activity of the Chamber and the companies of which it comprises. Yet despite the intense and acute need to keep books balanced and people in work, in the creation of this report, the discussion passionately and relentlessly turned to the future vision of Cork. Across each of our ten sector groups the same themes emerged time and time again. Better public and sustainable transport infrastructure. The delivery of Project Ireland 2040. The quickened rollout of the National Broadband Plan. More people living in the heart of our city and towns. Flexible working. Enhancement and protection of ecology, from the planting of trees to wildflower verges. Real equality for people of any gender, race or background. Childcare. Competitiveness and talent attraction. Focus on our international reputation and our approach to international markets. Sound familiar? In 2019, over 1,000 students joined us and our partners in the Glucksman to set out their vision by creating art. They created the same, green, vibrant, happy and equal Cork through paint and sculpture that has now been described by the business and wider community in the creation of this report. It is entirely possible and within our gift to make this vision a reality. There is a role for everyone in this, communities, businesses and Government to relentlessly pursue this vision. There is no shortage of vision or plans for Cork. Now our focus must be on delivery or we will fade to irrelevance. There is one question this report cannot satisfactorily answer: What are we waiting for? Thanks to the Chamber team and Sustainable Cork Programme Lead Michelle O’Sullivan for bringing this report from ideation to reality. Conor Healy Paula Cogan Cork Chamber CEO Cork Chamber President
4 SUSTAINABLE CORK PROGRAMME
Executive Summary
The Sustainable Cork Programme was » Business commitment and Cork commitment
initiated in May 2020, at the height to support local, grow global
of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Designed » Affordable and accessible childcare
to set a vision for a more sustainable
» Delivery on establised Government strategies
and resilient Cork, empowered by
namely Project Ireland 2040, the National
a thriving business community and Planning Framework, Cork Metropolitan Area
framed through the powerful lens Transport Strategy, National Broadband Plan,
of the UN Sustainable Development Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and
Goals, the programme has been Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
activated across every strand of The sectoral Think Tanks were followed with a
Chamber activity. The initial phase public survey titled ‘Imagineer Your City, Your
focused on exploring the sectoral County’ to which over 800 responses were
challenges and opportunities for received. The survey asked for views on the
a sustainable, strong recovery, in future vision for Cork in the next 5, 10 and 30
parallel with a discussion on a vision years.
for Cork. The survey asked the questions “What do you
want to see more of? What differentiates Cork
In June 2020, Cork Chamber hosted 10 sectoral when it comes to living and working here? What
Think Tank discussions and this document will be the biggest changes to our daily lives by
presents the richness of these progressive 2030, and by 2050? If you were given one wish
findings, highlighting the unique sectoral to shape Cork’s development by 2050, what
activities and priorities identified by each group would that be?” The answers offer direction as to
and the great commonalities between them. how Cork could be shaped as it develops, where
Namely businesses call for: we could excel and how we could differentiate.
When asked how Cork will look by 2050, 43%
» Sustained support post Covid-19
of respondents highlight remote working as the
» Climate action, Government policy certainty norm and 42% choose public transport as the
and support for climate innovation number one choice for commuting. 25% presume
our towns will be connected with cycling,
» Support to transition business skills, activities, walking, greenways and blueways, and that the
production models and materials city will have more planting, trees, green spaces
» A living City region with a connected, and amenity areas within 1km of home.
integrated public and sustainable transport With responses across the board highlighting
network to support sustainable development, the importance of climate action, connected
and affordable accomodation public transport, quality of life, affordable
» Support for cluster and innovation hubs accommodation, and the opportunities for a
Living City region, a picture is painted of the Cork
» Early education and role models as a key pillar that people want to live in, work in and enjoy.
of societal and workplace inclusion and diversity A picture very similar to the broad spectrum asks
of the Cork business community.
» Support for remote and flexible workingBUILDING ECONOMIC RESILIENCE 5 As an economy we are just now emerging from Cork as a leader, was the resounding note the initial Covid-19 pandemic shock. Many echoed in each Think Tank. As a location of businesses will not reopen, many have pivoted scale, with a thriving and diverse business their operations to survive, and for many 2020 community, world class research and educational has effectively been written off. Supporting institutes and a growing population, we have the businesses to reopen and stay open, supporting opportunity to get it right. Being a leader must livelihoods and communities is the minimum be broader than any one area of expertise, we baseline for a resilient recovery. Meanwhile must support each other for a strong, diverse and climate change and Brexit are the challenging multi-pronged economy and society. backdrop to this recovery. While working tirelessly to solve the problems of today, we must The USPs of a quality location for investment and also keep sight of our strategic plan. Without skills are those that create a location which are this foresight we will drift from firefighting to enlivened with culture, arts and community, are uncompetitiveness. When this foresight is mixed designed to support active and healthy lifestyles, with delivery it becomes a potent combination that nourish communities and creativity, embrace that catalyses our long term resilience.
6 SUSTAINABLE CORK PROGRAMME
synergies, that support inclusion and diversity, Crystalising from the Think Tank sessions is the
that innovate within and across disciplines, that interest in the circular economy, and production
support individuals and nurture families to enjoy models. This production model moves away from
the richness of their surrounds. Skills no longer linear production of take, make, dispose.
follow the job, the job follows the skills. A circular model is a shift away from single use, it
looks at the full lifecycle focusing on the materials
Climate action, innovation, skills and training and designs that support renewal, reuse, repair,
feature strongly. The appetite to transition to a upgrade or refurbishment.
low carbon, to net zero carbon economy is there
right across the board. This must be met with The power of clusters, of creating platforms to
practical support and interventions, and policy innovate, create and be disruptive came to the
certainty from Government. Certainty is key. fore. This was prominent for climate innovation,
Business needs to chart its course, and navigate life sciences, energy, construction materials and
in that direction with purpose, and ambition. building innovation right across the board.
As a region, we can lead. Cork can be a location From a Culture, Arts, Community and Media
of excellence, to flatten our climate curve. Think Tank perspective, the development of
The opportunity exists in Cork to identify a Cork Cultural Innovation Hub, providing a
Cork Climate Action Goals and there is a role location for artists to meet, to collaborate and
for business, Government, communities and to grow their skills, and to innovate could be
individuals in achieving this. Setting regional a real differentiator for Cork nationally and
goals and being supported in the transition to internationally.
achieve these could be pivotal.
As a City region proud of its culture, arts andBUILDING ECONOMIC RESILIENCE 7
heritage, an innovation hub would benefit up and domestic visitors and their importance from a
coming artists, to established artists. Broadening living city, quality of life perspective. The Cork
STEM to STEAM (Science, Technology, Events Centre is pivotal and must be delivered.
Engineering, Arts and Maths) also featured Government must support City and town renewal
in Think Tank sessions, in its opportunity to and this must be a commitment now and for the
broaden the cross disciplinary interactions and longer term.
collaborations. Social enterprises, their value in
supporting communities and addressing social, As a business community, we must support local,
and environmental issues carry an important to grow global.
role in identifying societal needs and building Government must deliver on established
resilience at community level. Their importance Government strategies namely Project Ireland
was emphasised as a catalyst of social, 2040 which when delivered will support strong
environmental and economic resilience from communities, livelihoods and a resilient Ireland
grassroots up. across economy, environment, society and
The opportunities for remote and flexible working community.
to increase workplace participation and inclusion, The National Planning Framework, Cork
supported by enabling progressive workplace Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, National
policies. The national broadband plan, in tandem Broadband Plan, Urban Regeneration and
with a strong national strategy on regional co- Development Fund and Rural Regeneration
working and business innovation hubs. and Development Fund must be expanded.
To the fore was the potential of hubs to These established strategies featured strongly
support remote working, broadening workforce throughout the Think Tank sessions, in some
participation, while decreasing commuter instances by name, in others by reference to the
congestion and transport emissions, alleviating outcome in developing a strong, resilient region.
pressures on urban areas, supporting work life Government must remain committed. These
balance, rural revitalisation, regional economies strategies must not be politicised. Government
and rural towns. must deliver.
Simply being pro diversity is no longer enough. By developing a strong vision, we can identify a
We must be actively anti-racist or we will positive pathway for Cork to further distinguish
irrevocably damage Ireland’s global leadership itself internationally and to be a better place
role. We must address the identified barriers to for companies and people locally. Quality of
workplace participation, inclusion and diversity. life, environmental awareness, and business
Diverse, inclusive workplaces are stronger, more competitiveness are intrinsically woven together.
resilient workplaces. Strong leadership and policy We have an opportunity, to lay the foundations
making at Government level is needed. Access to for a stable and better economy and society and
affordable quality childcare is not a good to have, to leave a legacy of resilience and sustainability
it is a must have. Government must lead. for generations to come. While we focus on
the changes that need to be made, we can also
AI, automation and the transition to a low carbon recognise the benefits that these changes can
economy will bring new opportunities, but bring to our daily lives, whether living, working or
we must be proactive, reskilling, training and studying in Cork.
supporting businesses to make this transition.
Quality of life can be strengthened through Now is the time to frame that opportunity with
provision of amenities, public and sustainable clear vision and ambition, moving forward with
transport investment and the revitalisation of purpose. The Sustainable Cork Programme sets
urban centres. out to chart this course.
Greening, parklets, enhancing and developing
attractions were all to the fore in developing
an attractive location for international and8 SUSTAINABLE CORK PROGRAMME
Business and the United
Nations Sustainable
Development Goals
The Role of Business
pandemic has uncovered the importance of
sustainability and resilience across the entirety
The business community has a major role in of our health systems, economy and society.
the long-term sustainability and the resilience It has uncovered the embedded ability of our
of not only our economic future, but our social environment to support social resilience, as well
and environmental future. We must take urgent as the innate ability of our natural environment to
and radical steps to ensure that businesses recover. It has brought the opportunities of agile
survive. We must also ensure that they do more workplaces supported by technology into focus
than just survive, that they thrive, in a more with businesses quickly pivoting where possible
resilient and sustainable economic environment. to remote working capabilities.
We must make decisions that secure a climate With a reduction in emissions from transport
friendly society that is inclusive and equitable, and industry, we saw the natural environments
that protects our natural resources, our quality flourish. In the recovery from the Covid-19
of life, and which embeds economic resilience pandemic, sustainability must be at its core,
and sustainability at the heart of all actions and supporting for example inclusive workplaces,
strategic plans. clean technologies and energy. As we develop,
In recent years, Ireland has experienced we need to ensure that economic resilience,
intense weather events, with the frequency of founded on sustainability and the ability to be
these increasing year by year. These events agile, and adaptive is at the heart of how we
are affecting economic activity and resilience approach our business operations, national and
across the country. The current global Covid-19 local Government functions, and social cohesion.
UN Sustainable
Development GoalsBUILDING ECONOMIC RESILIENCE 9
Sustainable
Development Goals Climate Action
A common misconception is that the UN SDGs
are focused on the environment and climate
Climate change and its associated risks have
solely. This is not the case. Also known as the
become one of the major threats to the business
Global Goals, the SDGs were adopted by all
community in Ireland. From increased flooding
United Nations Member States in 2015 as a
and more intense storms, to the shift in customer
global call to action. The UN SDGs are effectively
behaviour, the change in climate has profound
the blueprint to achieve a better and more
impacts on Irish enterprises.
sustainable, resilient future long term and for
all. They call on Governments, businesses, and Although there are many risks, there are
individuals to make the necessary changes, to be opportunities to be seized by companies who
proactive and to be progressive. are becoming more sustainable. We need to
facilitate the business transition to a low carbon
There are 17 Sustainable Development
economy, progressively moving towards net zero
Goals covering a range of areas from poverty
carbon, and carbon negative (removing more
eradication, reducing inequality, economic growth,
carbon from the atmosphere than generated)
access to education services to environmental
where possible.
protection. The SDGs are interdependent. If
you have for example communities that are
experiencing the effects of increased catastrophic
weather events, the local and regional economy
will suffer, as will livelihoods, socio economic Gender Equality
resilience, access to education, health and
wellbeing. To be sustainable progress across
all 17 SDGs is essential.
In the Chamber network we are advocating for
sound policies and enforceable legislation that
Chamber SDG Commitment promotes gender equality and the empowerment
of all women and girls at all levels in the
Cork Chamber, and the national Chamber workplace. For example remote working,
network via Chambers Ireland have committed and the opportunities this can achieve from the
to actively championing five SDGs. Honing in on perspective of workforce participation for those
five at the outset enables a focus that creates and that otherwise could be excluded.
encourages change and lasting progress.
Gender equality is about implementing or
Cork Chamber and Chambers Ireland have enhancing inclusivity for all. An inclusive
committed to driving positive change in these 5 workplace is also a creative, diverse workplace,
SDG’s: and strengthens business operations.You can also read
