Chapter 7
Economy and Employment
Issues / Recommendations / Observations
Sub. No.
Chief Executive’s Response & Recommendation
This submission notes the recommendations of the Cork City Strategic Employment Locations Study and how it has informed the Plan process to meet the jobs target of 47,000 of which 31,000 will be office based and light manufacturing including logistics over the period to 2028. It notes that the Development Plan provides for approximately 243 ha of zoned, undeveloped employment land over the Plan cycle and states it is essential that this provision is an adequate allocation, and enough deliverable land is available for the multiple types of premises that may be required over the course of the plan. The submission supports the four strategic employment sites identified in the plan (Cork Science and Innovation Park, Cork International Airport, Ballincollig and Tivoli) as areas that can be developed for economic and employment purposes. It notes that additional areas identified as strategic employment sites must also be given due attention; Blarney Business Park, Clogheen Business Park, Land at Glanmire, South Link Industrial Estate, Fairhill and land at Holyhill. The submission also promotes the City Centre as the primary area for office development, as it can offer the best mobility options while also having a regenerative effect. It can and must cater to all types of office provision from large floorplate newbuilds to small floorplate interventions. In some respects, the City Centre is in competition with the above listed locations, and it must not be disadvantaged.
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Paragraph 7.1 of the Draft Plan notes that the Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA) is recognised as a key employment base and economic driver in Ireland. Paragraph 7.35 sets out that the City Centre is among the key employment locations for Cork City set out in the Cork MASP. Paragraph 7.49 notes “There remains scope for development of large floor plate offices in the City Centre and eastwards into Docklands, as a natural extension of the City Centre. This Plan will strongly support development of offices in these areas which can be served by existing transport and other infrastructure. The employment generated would also help support the City Centre retail and service functions”. The proposed new strategic employment sites were informed by the Strategic Employment Land Study that was published with the Draft Plan. This Study provides a strong evidence base for the selection of these sites. There are some changes proposed to these strategic employment sites – see TII submission 62 and SRA submission 400 in Part 2, Section 1 and Part 3, Chapter 12 for more detail. Points raised about parking standards are noted. The Draft Plan takes a holistic approach to the delivery of compact and sustainable growth within the highly accessible City area, including reduced parking standards. Points raised supporting the development enterprise centres are noted. The Draft Plan advocates vibrant mixed-use centres across the hierarchy of urban centres within the City boundary. Sections 7.83 and 7.84 support the mixed-use function and the need to provide more flexibility in terms of the type of uses permitted on St. Patrick’s Street. More detailed policy on the City Centre is set out in Chapter 10 Key Growth Areas and Neighbourhood Development Sites, which also supports the pending City Centre Revitalisation Plan, which will provide more focused actions to promote the City Centre. Points relating to specific areas are noted.
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