THE CORK STORY Our Path to Future Growth CASP Area
TO LIMERICK Rail to Dublin TO DUBLIN
MALLOW FERMOY
NAGLE MOUNTAINS
BLACKWATER VALLEY BOGGERAGH Northern Regeneration MOUNTAINS & Expansion
Monard / Rathpeacon TO WATERFORD
Blarney Ballyvolane & Glanmire Carrigtwohill MACROOM Western YOUGHAL LEE VALLEY Knowledge Zone Midleton TO TRALEE CITY CENTRE Ballincollig Tech Cobh Corridor East & Harbour
Carrigaline
BANDON BANDON TO WEST CORK VALLEY KINSALE
Map and Areas Shown Not To Scale / Contents
Contents
Introduction 05
Chapter 1 East & Harbour 06
Chapter 2 Tech Corridor 08
Chapter 3 City Centre 10
Chapter 4 Western Knowledge Zone 12
Chapter 5 Northern Regeneration and Expansion 14
Chapter 6 Water Infrastructure 16
Chapter 7 Connectivity 17
Chapter 8 Tourism 18
Chapter 9 Food 20
Chapter 10 Partnership & Collaboration 21
Conclusion 22 4 /Cork at a glance
EMPLOYMENT IN ALL AGENCY ASSISTED COMPANIES 2010 – 2013
Cork at a Glance SOUTH STATE WEST REGION
Employment & Unemployment 144 IDA assisted companies in Cork, employing 27,354 people UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 8.8% 13.9%
4.90% Q2 2014 6.90% TE GION ICT TA RE FALL IN NUMBER ON LIVE REGISTER S T S Bio/Pharma E OCT 2011 – OCT 2014 W 37.80% Medical Tech 12.80% H
T
Content, consumer U
& business services O 13.40% 11.8 S 11.1 STATE CORK Engineering 24.20% CITY + CO Financial services
EMPLOYMENT IN FDI COMPANIES 17.5% 16.7% 22.2% Higher Education – R&D OF TOTAL GVA PER SECTOR R&D in Cork consistently outperforms EU averages: IS PRODUCED EMPLOYMENT IN IRISH-OWNED AGENCY • Largest amount of EU funding per capita in Ireland IN THE SOUTH ASSISTED COMPANIES 2010 – 2013 • UCC is top-performing university in Ireland over past WEST REGION 5 years in terms of research income • CIT is top-performing institute of technology over past 5 years in terms of research income SOUTH • Overall success is 26.8% versus EU average of 21.4% Cork - Ranked No 1 for STATE WEST REGION • Top performing region in partnering with industry business friendliness among • Annual spend on R&D is $160m between UCC and CIT small European cities by FDI Over 35,000 third level students in Cork Intelligence in its 2014/15 Almost 50% of students in Cork are enrolled in science European cities and regions 6% 18.2% and engineering at 3rd level of the future report. / Introduction 5
Introduction LUTS CORK AREA STRATEGIC PLAN 2001-2020 Plean Straitéiseach Cheantar Chorcaí Successful economic regions are characterised by strong inter-agency collaborative partnerships which proactively drive strategies for economic growth. Through the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) process, Cork is best placed to
Cork City Council Cork Comhairle Cathrach Chorcaí Building our B Cork County Council deliver sustainable growth for the South West. rand Comhairle Chontae Chorcaí Brand Book
With a population of 519,000 Published in 2001, CASP is led by The triple helix working across the city and county, Cork City and County Councils relationships that have developed Cork makes the second largest (also involving national and local between government, business contribution to the Irish economy stakeholders) and sets out a and education, together with and is well placed to capitalise strategic vision for the sustainable a highly skilled workforce; on new opportunities. Thus, development of the CASP world class education, training a thriving Cork will not only region up to 2020. Integrated and research facilities; good benefit the region but also the planning has been in place for connectivity; strength in global State. Continued support from this region in Cork since the Land growth business sectors; ability Government in key strategic Use and Transportation Study to attract overseas companies; projects will enable Cork to deliver (LUTS) 1978. Since then, this co- and a growing SME sector have these benefits. This document ordinated approach has guided all contributed to Cork’s resilience sets out the achievements and the CASP region through two during the recent economic crisis the priorities identified for the recessions and the transition from and into the recent renewed signs CASP region, within the county of traditional industries (textiles, car of economic growth. Cork, to realise its considerable manufacture, ship building) to the Crucially, Cork will communicate potential. The CASP region current sectors of ICT, biopharma, this positive message nationally covers an area with a population medical technologies, energy and and internationally through the of 408,157 including Cork city international services. brand book developed as part of and represents 43% of the total the Cork Strategic Messaging and geographical area of Cork. Branding Project (see page 21). 66 CHAPTER 1 / East and Harbour
East and Harbour
ACHIEVEMENTS
The East and Harbour This area also contains the The National Maritime College €14 million building for UCC’s is central to Cork’s strategically located former (CIT) in Ringaskiddy is a centre of Beaufort Research Centre (which Amgen site which is of national excellence in maritime research, will house the National Ocean Test economy with CASP significance. Cork Harbour is also training and education. The Irish Facility). home to one of the world’s largest Maritime and Energy Resource supported strategic The tourism and leisure potential concentrations of pharmaceutical Cluster (IMERC) in Ringaskiddy employment locations of Cork Harbour is being industries, with approximately (involving UCC, CIT and the enhanced with the redevelopment at Ringaskiddy, Little 4,000 people directly employed Irish Naval Service) is designed of the brownfield site at in the sector. It accommodates to strategically position Ireland Island, Carrigtwohill Haulbowline as a public park as the Port of Cork, a Tier 1 port to be a world leader in global and Whitegate, and well as ongoing redevelopment whose traffic volume rose from research and commercial activities of Spike Island and Camden Fort a specialised role for 8.3 million tonnes in 2009 to 9.12 attracting other smaller companies Meagher, both of which have seen million tonnes in 2013. It operates in the marine renewable or marine Marino Point and a significant increase in visitor Ireland’s only dedicated cruise ship engineering fields and creating numbers since works commenced Midleton. berth in Cobh. a nucleus of employment in the in 2010. area. Work is advanced on a new An important energy cluster at Aghada/Whitegate (where 25% of Ireland’s electricity is generated) also contains Ireland’s only oil refinery. With the offshore Kinsale and Seven Head gas fields, Cork Harbour is thus a vital national energy resource. Recent innovations include the installation of three new wind turbines by the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group, each generating 3MW of energy. They not only significantly reduce energy costs but also remove approximately 14,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum. 7
FUTURE PRIORITIES
Major investments The lack of adequate Port infrastructure will help increase lodge relevant planning and EIS has already approved the scheme are planned for Cork infrastructure capacity into port traffic by 2% p.a. for 20 years documentation to ABP in Quarter for the Upgrade of the Dunkettle the future will undermine and accommodate the trend to 1 2015 for approval. A recent Interchange which will facilitate Harbour to enable it the competitiveness of Irish larger vessels which cannot access Indecon report “Cork to the free flow through the Jack Lynch to support innovation, businesses and limit the region’s Tivoli. The relocation of inner World”, commissioned by Cork Tunnel and the adjacent road economic activity and ability to benefit from global harbour activities to Ringaskiddy Chamber, estimated that the €135 network. trading opportunities. and Marino Point will act as a million project would create 850 employment and to catalyst for the redevelopment of jobs during construction and a The Port of Cork lodged a the Cork City Harbour/Docklands further 2,200 along the corridor to fulfil its potential to as planning application with An area including Tivoli. the port. The consequences of not a world-class maritime Bord Pleanala in May 2014 for the proceeding with this critical link Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment The upgrading of the N28 route to quarter. are estimated at €23 billion in lost project and a public hearing was Ringaskiddy will facilitate the port’s trade and potential for additional held in September 2014. This relocation. The NRA propose to 60,000 jobs not realised. ABP 8 CHAPTER 2 / Tech Corridor
Tech Corridor
ACHIEVEMENTS
Both the city There is a strong tech cluster specifically for IT and service centre and Mahon developing in the City Centre, companies, and which hosts where companies like Zazzle and the Cork BIC and the Network contain significant Apple are based, along with UCC’s Operations Centre for the 60km concentrations of Tyndall National Institute – a Cork City MAN (48/96 pair fibre employment and global leader in ICT research. The ring Metropolitan Area Network). completion of the OneAlbertQuay population. development will add c. 14.000 The Tech Corridor is a walking/ m2 of premium office space and cycling route that links the city 1,700 jobs by early 2016. centre and Mahon along Monahan The 2008 CASP update identified Road, through Marina Park and Mahon as one of Cork’s strategic along the former rail line. Some employment zones, where of the major initiatives underway additional employment growth include the development of could be accommodated. In Marina Park and the upgrading of addition to major new residential Monahan Road and the rail line. developments, Mahon has been This link will be complemented by the location for substantial retail the implementation of the South development (at Mahon Point East Corridor Study which will Retail Park and Mahon Point improve public transport between Shopping Centre) and large the city centre and Mahon. scale office and technology developments in Loughmahon Technology Park and City Gate Park. City Gate Park is home to global tech companies such as EMC, Dell, Fire Eye, Solarwinds, McAfee, Huawei and VCE. Mahon is also the base for the National Software Centre, whose campus is designed 9
FUTURE PRIORITIES
Cork City Council will soon commence work on a€€1.5 million scheme to revitalise Monahan Road and thus continuing the integration of the area with the City Centre.
Construction is expected to start shortly on the €70 million redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh (including Government funding of €30 million) which will see the creation of a 45,000 capacity stadium and a GAA centre of excellence. The stadium is scheduled to reopen in early 2017. On adjacent land, the City Council is planning for the development of the 32 hectare Marina Park, estimated to cost City Harbour – Unlocking Cork funding conditions, development €4.5 million. Docklands” report. It is critical that will have to proceed in advance These projects will act as catalysts Government plays a lead role in of infrastructure provision. It is for the future development of activating delivery mechanisms also imperative that Government Cork City and the Docklands as to maximise the contribution Departments and public agencies a place in which to live, work and of state-owned assets to urban play a proactive role in marketing play. However, if the Docklands regeneration and reduces risk Cork City Harbour internationally. is to realise its full potential for private sector investment, there is a need to implement the with NAMA playing a key role. actions identified in the “Cork In the current economic and public 10 CHAPTER 3 / City Centre
City Centre
ACHIEVEMENTS
Cork City Centre is the Despite these achievements it is historic, cultural and clear that the economic recession has increased the challenges commercial heart of facing Cork City centre. Vacancy, Cork and the South West dereliction and under-use of region, and its success is commercial space are being addressed through the City Centre fundamental to the well- Strategy, which seeks to revitalise being of the region. the city centre and ensure a “healthy heart” for the Cork Since CASP was adopted region. This strategy will form the there have been significant basis for a five year action plan. achievements in the city centre: Adjacent to the city centre, the Public realm upgrades of St regeneration of the Docklands and Patrick’s St, Oliver Plunkett St, adjoining areas into a new urban Grand Parade, Cornmarket St and quarter has been implemented the boardwalk on Lapp’s Quay. through a number of key The City Centre is the region’s developments: primary retail centre, enhanced in 2009 by the opening of Opera • City Quarter on Lapp’s Quay Lane shopping district comprising (2005) 19 retail units. Public transport • Webworks on Eglinton St has been improved and non car- (2006) mode travel is being encouraged by a network of cycle ways and • City Hall civic offices (2007) footpaths through the city with • Elysian (2008) NTA funding. Work has just commenced on the construction of OneAlbertQuay for 1,700 jobs in addition to up to 300 generated during construction. 11
FUTURE PRIORITIES
The implementation of this 6,000 seat event centre will Flooding impacts significantly on the City Centre Strategy address a key infrastructural deficit businesses and residents of Cork in Cork and enable it to host large city centre. The preferred options and the Unlocking Cork scale entertainment, sports, trade for the implementation of the Harbour report are key and business events. It will also act Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief priorities for the future as a stimulus for the regeneration Scheme (including Blackpool and of the surrounding area. Ballyvolane) are being finalised. It development of Cork is also critical that a proper cost The City Centre is undergoing assessment is carried out, taking city centre. continuing public realm into account aesthetic and other improvements and Measures are being developed concerns to ensure the amount implementation of the City Centre to support the development of a allocated is sufficient to deliver the Movement Strategy will enhance cluster of tech SMEs in the centre, best possible outcome for the City. and to support the functioning of the city centre experience. the South Mall as a location for small and medium sized offices.. A particular need has been identified for modern, large floor plate offices to meet the needs of inward investors and large indigenous companies. The eastern end of the City and western end of Docklands has the potential to become a modern office quarter which could provide the large office space needed in a good quality urban environment. Work will commence in 2015 on the new event centre to be developed at the site of the former Beamish and Crawford brewery. The development of 12 CHAPTER 4 / Western Knowledge Zone
Western Knowledge Zone
ACHIEVEMENTS
Extending from the It is the embodiment of the triple Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Tyndall National Institute training. EMC established EMC city centre through helix, fostering collaboration Teaching and Research and UCC’s provides state-of-the-art research Research Europe in partnership between education, industry Gateway and Ignite Programmes. in microsystems, photonics with UCC in 2011, advancing Ballincollig - a major and government. UCC and CIT A world-class sports centre has and nanotechnology. It drives EMC’s Cloud, Big data and population centre, to are respectively Ireland’s top been developed at the Mardyke. Ireland’s international reputation Data Centre transformation performing university and IT in in ICT research, has over 200 research programmes in Ireland Ovens, Cork’s Western CIT took ownership of the new terms of research income and industry partnerships and and Europe. The company also Cork School of Music facility in Knowledge Zone is Cork is a thriving R&D hub. recently completed a €50 million partnered with CIT to develop 2007 and expanded the Rubicon a major resource, extension. It also hosts the Ireland’s first MSc and BSc (Hons) UCC has extended its Western Centre, now Ireland’s largest International Energy Research Degrees in Cloud Computing. €100m backboned by UCC, Campus with the business incubation centre. The Centre (IERC). CIT, Tyndall National Brookfield Health Science Centre for Research in Advanced Complex and the Western Therapeutic Engineering (CREATE) EMC has expanded and Institute, Cork University Gateway building, which develops therapeutic solutions transformed its Cork facility which Hospital, Mercy accommodates Computer Science, in the areas of life sciences, is now a Centre of Excellence University Hospital and the School of Mathematical biomedical engineering and (CoE) incorporating research and photonics. major companies such as EMC, Boston Scientific and VM Ware. 13
FUTURE PRIORITIES
Continued investment appropriate funding of supporting infrastructure and recognition of in education, training, the science park’s role in a national research and innovation context, is vital. An alternative is essential if Cork is model where government designation can enable agencies to provide the skills, to fast track identified priority talent and research economic projects is desirable. infrastructure needed to The 2012 Action Plan for Jobs retain and attract industry referenced a National Healthcare and jobs. Innovation Hub. In response, a demonstrator Health Innovation Hub was established in UCC, CIT is seeking to identify a suitable funded by Government with a City Centre site for the Crawford National Implementation Team College of Art and Design which and Local Steering Committee has outgrown its current facilities. comprising representatives from industry, CIT, UCC, Tyndall, The Cork Science and Innovation government agencies and local Park (CSIP) is a major collaboration hospitals. The purpose of the between Cork County Council, demonstrator hub was to prove UCC and CIT. This project will the concept. The Hub has been provide a purpose built campus actively engaging with companies facilitating the interaction of and the healthcare system research institutions, private currently running 15 pilot studies enterprise and support agencies in the healthcare system across to achieve product and service the country and an additional innovation. UCC and CIT as 5 companies and their projects well as CUH, IDA Ireland and are being managed through a EI are key stakeholders in the collaborative arrangement with project. Government support, via the Digital Hub in Dublin. 14 CHAPTER 5 / Northern Regeneration and Expansion
Northern Regeneration and Expansion
ACHIEVEMENTS
CASP envisaged a The Northern Regeneration and The Cork North West Quarter risen to approximately 4,000, permission for development. The major growth corridor Expansion Area extends northward regeneration programme is an and an additional 2,500 jobs HUB town of Mallow has forged from the city centre though ambitious €90 million plan to are supported locally by Apple’s innovative formal educational and in the northern Blackpool, Kilbarry (a CASP regenerate the north west of the presence in the city. research agreements with CIT and designated strategic employment city with over 600 housing units the National Centre for Excellence and eastern part of The designation of Monard as zone) to Blarney and Monard and and new social and community in the teaching of Mathematics the metropolitan a Strategic Development Zone ultimately Mallow, a designated facilities. and Science at the University of by Government recognises the area, linked with Hub in the National Spatial Limerick, while Dairygold have Apple, whose EMEA Headquarters important strategic need for Strategy. recently commenced a €130m the upgrading and are based in the area, has recently suitable areas for further housing investment in their facilities in the reinstatement of the As the traditional economic / added a new three storey office and economic growth, and a town. rail line. industrial heart of the northside block next to its existing plant. revised Planning Scheme is being of the City, the Blackpool Apple’s Cork workforce has developed to obtain the necessary Valley has experienced significant commercial and retail development in recent years. The opening of the Blackpool Retail Park in 2006 considerably enhanced the retail and office facilities in the area (home to games company Blizzard). Nearby the North Point Business Park is Cork’s largest business park on the north side of the city and comprises of over 250,000 square feet of light industrial, showroom and office space. The development of office accommodation on Assumption Road has facilitated the relocation of the Revenue Commissioner’s Office and Landmark Media Investments to the area. 15
FUTURE PRIORITIES
• Development of the • The progression of the Cork commuter rail network and Northern Ring Road scheme Kilbarry rail station is critical to in order to ensure that the the sustainable development potential of areas such as of the area, supporting further Monard and Rathbarry can be population and employment realised in the medium term. growth. • The provision of support • Continued financial support through the NTA for the for the implementation of development of a railway the Cork North West Quarter station at Kilbarry to facilitate regeneration programme. this area’s potential as a designated Strategic • The obtaining of the Employment Location along necessary consents and the Cork-Mallow rail corridor. investment to ensure that the Monard SDZ is enabled • The reactivation of the to deliver on its strategic business case for the role, particularly as a housing development of the M20 growth area in the medium Atlantic Corridor between term. Cork and Limerick, an asset which is critical to the future • The reactivation and delivery development of the Southern of the Northern Relief Road Region. scheme by the NRA for Mallow to facilitate the town’s future development and to ensure that investment in agricultural assets will deliver their undoubted capacity for growth into the economy 16 CHAPTER 6 / Water Infrastructure
Water Infrastructure
ACHIEVEMENTS & FUTURE PRIORITIES
The Inniscarra and and other land identified in local Carrigadrohid Reservoirs area plans, as local housing market conditions improve. were constructed in The main waste water treatment 1953 in the valley of the plant serving Cork City and its River Lee less than 10km immediate suburbs is located at to the west of Cork. Carrigrennan, Little Island and was brought into operation in 2004. In addition to supplying a valued A second strategic waste water source of hydro-electricity and treatment is planned to come into fulfilling a role in relation to the operation at the end of 2016 at management of flooding, these Ringaskiddy to serve the Lower reservoirs are the mainstay of Harbour Towns (Carrigaline, Cobh, drinking water supplies to the Crosshaven, and Monkstown/ City and its region. Providing Passage West) where waste from water management measures a substantial population presently are implemented, the capacity of enters the harbour untreated. The these water sources is sufficient prompt delivery of this plant and to meet likely demand for the associated collection system is foreseeable future. The strategic critical to achieving water quality water distribution system urgently targets in the Harbour area whilst requires extension in order to maintaining its capacity for inward facilitate a strong supply of investment in jobs and to facilitate housing to meet the regions a strong supply of housing to needs in locations likely to be support that investment. In the the target of inward investment future it is critical to invest in water in jobs and well served by infrastructure in the Harbour area public transport facilitating the so that, whilst maintaining water development of the Monard SDZ quality targets, ‘headroom’ to facilitate new inward investment in jobs is created. CHAPTER 7 / Connectivity 17
Connectivity
ACHIEVEMENTS FUTURE PRIORITIES
Connectivity – both external Cork has hourly rail connections Cork must continue to improve its The last building blocks of and internal - is critical to Cork’s and regular non-stop bus road, rail and telecommunications international and national economic development. As the connections to Dublin. infrastructure if it is to realise connectivity need to be put in place: principal international Gateway its potential as a major regional Connectivity within Cork has • Dunkettle to the South of Ireland, Cork engine of national economic improved significantly over • The N28 Airport opened a new terminal in growth. Tier I Telecoms recent years – key achievements • Relocation of Cork Port 2006, providing scheduled and connectivity is becoming an include: • The M20 charter flights to over 50 European increasingly acute infrastructural • N25 to boost connectivity to the destinations, with important daily • Reopening of rail link from priority with the growth of cloud Gateways and complete the Trans- direct flights to London Heathrow Glounthane to Midleton and computing and data analytics European transport network. and Schipol Amsterdam. In 2013 upgrading of Cork-Cobh rail increasing the requirement for Tier Cork Airport was voted the world’s line 1 broadband. The retention of There is a critical need for the further best regional airport for customer • Central Bus Station upgrade Cork’s strong ICT cluster may also development of the Metropolitan Area’s service – for both business and • Development of the Green be dependent on this. Companies sustainable transport infrastructure and leisure travellers. Routes network in Regional Ireland pay three times public transport services to promote • Park n Ride at Black Ash as much for access to international The Port of Cork is an EU modal shift. This can be achieved • Improved walking and cycling networks as those located in designated Trans European via agreed demand management facilities Dublin, rising to a factor of 6 for Network Core Port and a strategies, implementation of the City • Significant increase in City SMEs. Tier 1 connectivity has a nationally designated Tier 1 port Centre Movement Strategy and the and suburban bus services critical role to play in achieving which accommodates services development of the Strategic Public Government policy of balanced across all six shipping modes. There have also been significant Transport Corridors which connect the regional development and offering Cork has direct container feeder improvements to the road City Centre with the wider Metropolitan industry the security of multiple services with a number of key network – including the: Area. A seamless public transport connections. A new sub sea European ports, including system connecting the key centres of • N22 Ballincollig Bypass connection is being pursued by Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and employment and population in the a number of private consortia. Antwerp and a direct deep sea corridor linking Midleton – Mahon – • M8/N73 Mitchelstown However in the event of market service which links Central America City Centre – Ballincollig is essential Western Relief Road failure public intervention may with Europe. to achieve sustainable economic and be required to underpin the • M8 Fermoy to Watergrasshill population growth (including the Fermoy Bypass) region’s competitiveness. Hibernia and Mitchelstown to Fermoy Networks’ decision to land a Within the region, better access to the direct connection of its Express broader catchment is needed including • N25/N27 Kinsale Road cable to Cork should ensure the the N22 Ballyvourney – Macroom and Interchange high capacity, direct transatlantic N71 Bandon – Inishannon projects • N40 Cork Southern Ring Road connectivity needed to underpin Interchanges the region’s competitiveness. 18 CHAPTER 8 / Tourism
Tourism
ACHIEVEMENTS
Tourism has a critical Both Cork City and County of €178 million. In employment country’s only dedicated cruise Gardens incorporate the award- role to play in Cork’s Councils have established terms, 5,361 FTE jobs were terminal. In 2013 62 cruise liners, winning Sky Garden. dedicated units to promote directly supported by the tourism carrying over 122,500 passengers Cork Harbour is a major visitor economy and recent tourism and work closely sector in 2011, with a further 1,876 and crew, arrived in the Port of asset with ongoing investment with Fáilte Ireland and other FTE jobs supported in the wider Cork. years have witnessed a in the redevelopment of Spike stakeholders to enhance Cork’s City economy. fresh impetus to tourism Cork has focussed on developing Island and Fort Camden Meagher tourism offering. promotion and product City and County work together the visitor product, supported as iconic tourist attractions. Fáilte Tourism to the Cork Metropolitan to attract major events to Cork by more effective marketing Ireland is working with Cork City development, not least Area is showing a return to – most recently the Irish Open for projects such as the 17th and County Councils to further with Kinsale becoming growth, both in terms of numbers in Fota which attracted over century Elizabeth Fort, the English develop Elizabeth Fort and Spike the terminus of the Wild and revenue. In 2011, direct 100,000 visitors. Cruise tourism Market and the €2.5 million Island, both of which played a tourism spend was almost €470 has been identified as an area with redevelopment of Fitzgerald’s critical role in defence of the city Atlantic Way. million, plus an indirect spend growth potential and Cork has the Park, where the new Mardyke and harbour. 19
FUTURE PRIORITIES
The development of new tourism product and enhancing the experience for visitors to Cork will remain the priority.
Government support will be key to delivery of: • The National Diaspora • Redevelopment of Spike • Further development of Centre, a joint bid has been Island into a major tourist dedicated cruise line terminal submitted by Cork City and attraction, reflecting its facilities at Cobh is essential County Councils to develop former uses as monastic to accommodate the next the centre on Cork’s quays, a settlement, fort, centre for generation of cruise liners convict transportation and must-see attraction needed • The development of a series military and civilian prison to realise the potential for of identified harbour landing visitor growth in Cork, the • The continuation of funding points to aid the future major port of departure for and resource supports development of the Harbour Irish emigrants from the State for the from both a tourism and • Development of an remediation of the East Tip commuter perspective on Haulbowline in order to interpretative centre in • Upgrading and mounting fulfil the State’s obligations Elizabeth Fort, as part the Ceol exhibition as the under the Waste Framework of a Cathedral Quarter epicentre of the region’s Directive and address related incorporating UCC’s Honan bid to highlight its cultural shortcomings identified Chapel, St Fin Barre’s tradition offering Cathedral, the Red Abbey • Redevelopment of Fort
and Christchurch Camden Meagher, one of the finest examples of a classical coastal artillery fort 20 CHAPTER 9 / Food
Food
ACHIEVEMENTS FUTURE PRIORITIES
Already one of Ireland’s is growing with support from the As a leading player in the most important indigenous Local Enterprise Offices (including agri-food sector Cork will the Musgraves/Bord Bia partnered industries, the agri-food Food Academy and Cork Kerry play a key role in meeting sector offers significant Food Forum), Cork County Food Harvest 2020 opportunities for growth Council’s food business incubation targets, and realising the and expansion as demand units all working to incentivise and potential offered by the for high quality food support agri-entrepreneurs. abolition of milk quotas. Cork has strong education, increases. As consumer demand becomes training and research assets in the increasingly sophisticated with Cork has a thriving and long agri and food health sectors – a high value on quality, taste and established agri-food sector – with critical resource supporting the provenance of food, there are particular strengths in milk, infant development of the sector to more opportunities for food formula and dairy products (home move up the value-added chain. companies capable of growing to Dairygold, Danone and Carbery Teagasc’s Moorepark centre is and innovating. Group), beef and fish/shellfish. one of the world’s leading dairy Cork also has a strong drinks research centres while UCC boasts Both local authorities through sector, and is home to Heineken the Alimentary Pharmabiotic their Local Enterprise Offices Ireland and the Midleton Distillery Centre and the School of Food have a clear Food Development as well as a vibrant craft brewing and Nutritional Science. The Strategy for Cork while a 2014 industry. new Strategic Alliance between Cork Chamber report on Cork’s Cork’s reputation is enhanced by UCC and Teagasc enables food agri-food and drinks opportunities the quality of its artisan foodstuffs companies to access international recommended a number of with 50% of the country’s quality research and innovation. initiatives to capitalise on agri- producers based in Cork. The opportunity. Cork City Council number of small food producers is investigating the potential of developing a National Food Innovation Centre which would seek to leverage Cork’s strong food and agribusiness offer. Both local authorities are also seeking to promote the region as a location for food tourism, and growing the number of food and drinks related festivals and events throughout the year. CHAPTER 10 / Partnership & Collaboration 21
Partnership & Collaboration
ACHIEVEMENTS
CASP is a voluntary Local/regional Examples of collaboration and Cork brand strategy – Cork process with a high level connectivity between public City and County Councils, plus • Cork City Council and private stakeholders, and stakeholders in the Cork Region, collaboration from the • Cork County Council supported by Cork City and have come together to deliver public and private sectors - • Cork Chamber County Councils’ Economic a compelling and coherent both at local and national Development Funds, include: regional brand strategy for the • CIT economic development of the level. energyCork - an industry-driven • UCC Cork Region. The Cork Brand cluster pursuing coordinated This significant voluntary Book will support a coherent • Cork Airport actions to strengthen enterprise participation is a major asset for approach for strategic branding and employment within the energy CASP and demonstrates a clear • Port of Cork and marketing that will support sector in the Cork region. Energy unity of purpose and commitment business growth for the Cork • South West Regional Cork seeks to build on the unique amongst all stakeholders, public Authority Region and Ireland. and private, as to how Cork can opportunities for the region to secure competitive advantage Cork Smart Gateway – achieve sustainable growth. National in the energy sector and to help collaborative project to develop • Enterprise Ireland consolidate and raise awareness the next generation Smart • IDA Ireland of Cork’s position at the forefront Agenda for the Cork Region of economic, commercial, research MakeITinCork – a regional • Iarnrod Eireann and educational activity in the branding initiative promoting • Bus Eireann energy sector. employment opportunities • NRA Cork Innovates – supports a available in Cork’s thriving IT • NTA unified approach to the promotion sector. of entrepreneurship across the • CIF it@cork European Tech whole of Cork. It provides a Cluster a leading not-for- • ESB Networks forum through which stakeholders profit independent business can add value to existing • Dept of Transport, Tourism & organisation, representing the business support infrastructure Sport interests of the IT industry – with delivering innovative, unique over 300 member companies • Dept of Environment, and complimentary initiatives employment over 30,000 Heritage & Local Government in support of the Cork members . entrepreneurial community. 22 CHAPTER 11 / Conclusion
Conclusion
The future development of the CASP region will make a positive contribution to the sustainable development of Ireland.
The level of this contribution will through development of a be determined by the extent to co-ordinated approach to the which the priorities set out in the future development of the Cork various sections of this profile Gateway, a ‘whole of Government are achieved. Cork has built on approach to Cork’ to mirror a legacy of integrated planning, the whole of Cork approach to forward thinking, collaboration Government, that is central to the and maximising its advantages. CASP process. The achievements of this approach The achievement of this objective have been described. However, can be negotiated through the there are challenges remaining. medium of the forthcoming In order to meet these National Planning Framework. challenges and maximise Cork’s Achievement of this objective contribution to the continued would increase the effectiveness national prosperity, the support of Government support for the of Government is crucial. As Cork Gateway and also promote the second largest urban area a holistic approach that ensures in the state, Cork occupies a scare public resources are used unique position, in terms of efficiently through an improved scale, between Dublin and the understanding and awareness by other regional centres. A key all of the parties involved. objective is for Government to recognise this unique position CASP AREA CORK 23
References Contact details
CASP MEMBER SITES OTHER SITES Address: Tel: www.corkcity.ie www.corkbrand.ie CASP Office 021 4924034 www.corkcoco.ie www.corkbic.ie Director - Patrick Ledwidge www.ucc.ie www.corkinnovates.com C/o Cork City Council Email: www.cit.ie www.corksmartgateway.ie Strategic Planning and Economic [email protected] Development www.corkchamber.ie www.energycork.ie City Hall www.corkairport.com www.itcork.com Cork www.swra.ie www.makeitincork.com www.portofcork.ie www.imerc.ie www.enterprise-ireland.com www.tyndall.ie www.idaireland.com www.esb.ie www.buseireann.ie www.irishrail.ie www.nra.ie www.nta.ie www.cif.ie www.environ.ie www.dttas.ie THE CORK STORY
Our Path to Future Growth