Time to invest in Cork, Ireland’s fastest-growing urban region
AN array of ambitious developments in Cork city and county should be allocated commencement dates and project time-scales, according to the Construction Industry Federation of Ireland pre-election manifesto.
Among these projects are the Dunkettle interchange; the M20 Cork-to-Limerick motorway along the original route; and a ring road to bypass Cork city to the north. Also included in the CIF manifesto’s list of desirable projects are an events centre; a fast-track light rail in Cork City; the identification of ready-to-go sites for life-sciences industry projects; and a docklands infrastructure in the city.
At present the construction sector in the Cork region account for over 12 per cent of the output of the industry and employs approximately 20,000 people.
“Cork’s population and employment levels have increased significantly in recent years and now, more than ever, public infrastructural investment needs to keep pace with a growing employment and population base,” the manifesto states.
“Cork is now the fastest growing urban area in Ireland – we need to invest in Cork...Construction is a major employer providing the necessary infrastructure for the economy and society.”
According to the manifesto, constructing the M20 would be the greatest signal that any Government could give that it is serious about creating a real economic engine that can act as a counterbalance to the over-congested Dublin Region.
“This motorway must be in line with the original route selected, as that route is the most sustainable route directly linking Cork City and Limerick City, Airports, Universities, Ports and employment districts.”
The federation also wants the public spending code published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to be revised so that there are less steps in the approval process and time frames for decision making are identified.
“The code should recognise the need for greater investment in regional infrastructure projects and that projects in the regions are not put at risk due to very large proposals in the Dublin region.
“Review all Public Works Contracts to ensure risk is allocated appropriately and costs are recoverable.”
The manifesto contains a number of recommendations on providing additional housing in the region.
The CIF is calling for the reduction of the high cost of Government taxes, development contribution scheme charges, VAT and Part V contributions and bonds.
It is also seeking major investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for zoned lands by directly funding local authorities to service zoned lands. It thinks the next Government should also expand lowcost finance options through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund or House Building Finance Ireland.
A special regeneration fund for Cork City Council that would be similar to regeneration funding in other cities should also be established, it said.