Cork City Centre Gets a Makeover as CBA's Cleaning and Greening Day Comes to Paul Street

Cork Business Association (CBA) is calling on volunteers and businesses to roll up their sleeves for the next phase of its popular Cleaning and Greening initiative, with Paul Street, French Church Street and Carey's Lane set for a volunteer-led transformation on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

Volunteers will gather at The Urban Pantry in The Fifth Quarter from 8.30am before spreading out across the three streets to carry out cleaning, painting and streetscape enhancements.

Since the initiative launched, up to 50 volunteers per event have revitalised a number of city centre locations through deep cleaning, graffiti removal, painting, streetscape improvements and the installation of colourful public artwork. With the summer tourism season now underway and thousands of visitors expected to visit Cork over the coming months, organisers say maintaining an attractive, welcoming and vibrant city centre has never been more important.

Dave O'Brien, President of Cork Business Association, said:

"People often talk about what is wrong with our city, but this initiative is about showing what can be achieved when businesses, volunteers and public bodies work together. We are incredibly proud of what has already been achieved through Cleaning and Greening and we want to build on that momentum. Every street we improve creates a stronger sense of pride, ownership and positivity for everyone who lives, works and visits Cork."

The event has attracted strong backing from local businesses. McKechnie Cleaning Services will provide industrial cleaning equipment including power washers, window cleaning equipment and sweepers, while Dosco is supplying cleaning materials and equipment. Further support is being provided by The Fifth Quarter, CoqBull, Amicus Restaurant, Hysterical Histories, Pinocchio's, Blues Café and many other local businesses.

The initiative is being delivered in partnership with Cork City Council and is informed by a visual audit process that identifies opportunities for improvement ranging from cleanliness and graffiti removal to public realm enhancements and general streetscape presentation.

CBA is encouraging businesses, community groups and residents to get involved in future events as the programme expands to further city centre locations throughout 2026. Those interested can register at www.corkbusiness.ie/events or email info@corkbusiness.ie.