Cork must provide its own funds to refurbish city centre

The Irish Times

Cork's nomination some months ago as European City of Culture for 2005 was greeted with much fanfare and the expectation that the award would be accompanied by money from the Exchequer for a complete revamp of St Patrick's Street. The Government has refused to make funds available, but Cork will have its new look anyway, through a combination of borrowing and cutbacks in other areas. When Beth Gali, the renowned urban landscape artist, came to Cork to design a new St Patrick's Street and Grand Parade three years ago, the cost of the project was estimated at Ł7 million (€8.89 million). At today's prices the cost will be over €16 million.

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