Cork Business Organisations express disappointment at delay to Events Centre funding decision

In a joint statement, Cork Chamber of Commerce, the Cork Business Association (CBA), the Cork branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), the Vintners Federation (VFI) in Cork, and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) have expressed disappointment that Government is to further delay a decision on funding for the Cork Events Centre.

Despite significant funding commitments made by the private sector, the Government continues to delay the decision around vital state funding for the Events Centre, with a decision on approval for the funding now not expected until September at the earliest.

The news today that a decision on the provision of state funding for Cork’s Events Centre is to be delayed further is yet another considerable setback to the project. We are calling for the Government to bring the decision to the first Cabinet meeting after the summer recess. 

The Events Centre, which would have 6,000 seats and could attract an annual attendance of around 500,000 people, represents a critical piece of infrastructure for a rapidly growing city like Cork. It will enhance the region’s competitiveness and attract vital talent and investment to the region. Completion of the long-awaited Events Centre will be transformative for Cork City Centre and for the wider Cork region, strengthening the county’s already significant cultural offering, while also contributing to the rejuvenation of the city’s urban environment.

The Cork Events Centre will create thousands of jobs and countless opportunities for business development, with the projected sustained boost to the economy at local and national level set to significantly outweigh the initial investment. With the capacity to host major events all-year round, the Events Centre will play a key role in sustaining and developing Cork’s tourism and hospitality sector, attracting visitors from across Ireland and abroad. An Events Centre is a critical piece of cultural infrastructure which will further strengthen Cork’s status as a destination for culture and the arts.

The decision on the Events Centre has been lingering for far too long and must now be brought to a positive conclusion as soon as possible.