Fine Gael Cork City Senator Jerry Buttimer has accused the Fianna Fáil Government of rolling back on its commitment to the Cork Docklands project after tax incentives for the scheme were left out of the Budget. Senator Buttimer said it is essential that tax incentives are now included in the forthcoming Finance Act.
“By leaving tax incentives for the Cork Docklands project out of the Budget, the Government proved it has only paid lip service to the scheme. If the Government has any commitment left to this crucial project, it must include tax incentives in the Finance Act.
“The Cork Docklands project is vital for the future of Cork city and county, and to the regeneration of Ireland’s second city. Proposals for tax incentives have overwhelming local support and would help to kick-start the project.
“The Docklands scheme is one of the most exciting proposals for Cork city for many years. It would involve redeveloping an large stretch of the city and would benefit the economy across the region. The city’s population continues to decline and we urgently need a large-scale project to reverse this trend. It is also vital that Cork receives its share of national funding and does not lose out to other regions.
“The Docklands scheme has been backed by City Manager Joe Gavin but it needs a clear commitment from the Government in order to succeed. We cannot afford another debacle concerning a major project in the city, along the lines of the Government’s U-turn on Cork Airport’s outstanding debt.”