Cork appoints board to oversee delayed event center project

Cork's long-delayed event center project has appointed an eight-member development board to oversee a new procurement process. The board, chaired by Brian Geaney from Cork City Council, will work for the next 12 to 18 months. The project's cost has increased significantly, from an initial estimate of €50 million to about €150 million. State funding has also risen, from €20 million in 2014 to €57 million after COVID-19, with an additional €30 million to €40 million needed. The board's first meeting was in January, and it is reviewing progress on project management and design competition preparations. A Labour councillor suggested including the Lord Mayor's office on the board for better representation.