Cork City Futures Group: Government Backs New Body to Shape City's Future

The Government has approved the establishment of a dedicated new body to guide the long-term development of Cork City, with a focus on economic growth, culture, academia, and investment.

The Cork City Futures Group will work to unlock the city's full potential across a range of areas, including foreign direct investment, domestic business development, and its position as a university city. The group will also consider how Cork can strengthen its arts and culture offering and support the wider economic and social development of the surrounding region.

The move delivers on a Programme for Government commitment to apply the Dublin City Taskforce model to other cities and regions, starting with Cork City.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

"The Government recognises Cork City's strategic vision and its importance as an administrative, economic academic and cultural hub for the country. We are focused on facilitating Cork to reach its full potential. Cork has its own unique strengths and challenges, and we will work to that. Cork City Council is our key partner here in delivering the work and we look forward to a bright future for this wonderful city."

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said:

"This is a really important opportunity to further revitalise the great city of Cork and its growing position in Ireland as an economic powerhouse. Cork has so many offerings in the cultural, sporting and artistic space and the new Future Groups will be central to helping Cork become an even better place to live, work, visit and raise a family."

Minister of State Sean Canney said:

"I welcome the agreement on the Cork Futures City Group as a key step in delivering on our Programme for Government commitments around rejuvenating our cities, towns and regions right across the country. Investing in our cities, towns and regions is key to ensuring strong regional development."

The group will draw its membership from academia, business, An Garda Síochána, the arts and culture sector, tourism, transport, and the community and voluntary sector. Mr Brendan Tuohy, a former Secretary General, has been appointed as Independent Chair.

The group's terms of reference include reviewing the Cork City Centre Development and Operations Action Plan 2025-2030, making recommendations on how Cork can attract sustained investment and innovation, and assessing how the city can bolster development across its wider hinterland. A report and high-level implementation framework are expected before the end of this year.