Tags: Cork, Cork economic monitor, Cornmarket Street, Ireland, John Buttimer, politics, tourism

CLLR John Buttimer speaking on the publication of the quarterly Cork Economic Monitor said that a number of serious underlying faults with the Cork economy needed immediate attention and redress from the City Council, the business sector in Cork and central government.

“Of particular concern is the continuing upward spiral of unemployment which showed a 78 per cent increase in the metropolitan Cork area for the year August 2008 to 2009 (compared to a nationwide increase of 76 per cent).

“At the end of August 2009 over 26,000 individuals were on the live register. Of particular concern in this statistic is the dramatic increase in the number of women over the age of 25 years who are unemployed, standing at almost 7,000 women, this represents a change of 92 per cent between September 2008 and September 2009.  This group will be targeted further if the children’s allowance is hit in the forthcoming budget.

“The figure for males over the age of 25 who are also on the live register showed a dramatic increase from September 2008 to September 2009 from 8,021 to 14,518.

“These figures clearly indicate that there is a need for a national focus on the development of a stimulus package with an emphasis on the protection and creation of jobs.

“Figures produced by the Economic Monitor also reflect figures recently released by An Bord Fáilte which showed year on year reductions in the number of tourists coming to Ireland.  In 2008 tourism related spend generated €1,205.5million but the reality is that Cork has failed to capitalise on getting its fair share of that money.  Recent reports from City Council suggest that City Centre based heritage sites and tourist attractions have failed to attract the same number as equivalent sites in county areas.  The most popular in the City attracted over 50,000 visitors with the highest achieving county facility attracting 250,000 visitors.

“A number of key recommendations are needed. An increase in the availability of coach parking in the city. Specific and targeting marketing of Cork City and the greater Cork area to take advantage of the designation by the Lonely Planet Guide. The development and extension of new and existing routes from Cork Airport; we should look at have routes available on a 12-month basis and not just during peak summer months and continued investment in and support of the major festivals in Cork which are currently grant aided by the City Council.”

In welcoming the decision to back the development of the Cornmarket Development Plan Cllr Buttimer said that the City Management also needed to be aware of the current situation of vacant retail units and offices totalled which over 100 units.

“This brings into sharp focus issues that will arise in the forthcoming Annual Budget which will be held in December 2009. Cllr Buttimer said that the commercial sector is under significant stress and that many retailers would be looking for a reduction in the rate. Cllr Buttimer said he was committed to ensuring that Cork City Council would send out a clear and unambiguous message that it was supportive of employment and that it was open for business.