Ní Riada hails €1bn docklands regeneration project

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has hailed the recently announced €1bn landmark development of Cork’s docklands as ‘long overdue and exciting’.

“There has been practically no substantial development in Cork for the last 10 years,” the Ireland South MEP said.

“The Cork docklands were the hub of economic activity in generations gone by so this news has the potential to bring back those days of the Docklands being central to Cork’s economic success.

“The majority of development since the recession has been taking place in Dublin so this landmark proposal of office, retail and hotel development will rebalance some of the development gap that has occurred.

“While I am cautious that such announcements on the Cork Docklands site have been made in the past and fallen through, I have great faith that this one will go ahead. It is already at the advanced design stage and planning submission will then be considered.

“This development has enormous potential to be a catalyst for further projects in the short to medium term with Páirc uí Chaoimh, Kent station, Capitol cinema, Convention Centre and Irish Independent Park all at various stages of the development process.

“Cork has been crying out for investment in the last few years so I welcome this landmark proposal with open arms and look forward to engaging with the developers of this site and others to ensure its future.”