Cork City Council launches Placemaking Fund 2020

Crowds at La Cocina Publica in the summer of 2019 (photo by Karl Kachmarsky)

14th January 2020

Greening projects, parklets, creative seating, street art, atmospheric lighting and new unique events are just some of the projects which could be supported under the City Council’s City Centre Placemaking Fund.  Following on from the very successful pilot last year, Cork City Council is once again inviting proposals from city centre based community and business groups to this fund. It aims to support projects which enhance and enliven people experience of the city centre.

Last year it funded projects such as the very successful parklet on Douglas Street, some large scale street art such as the Kingfisher on Lavitts Quay and the unique La Cochina Publica event as part of Cork Midsummer Festival.

The aim of this initiative is to support projects which will enhance, improve, and enliven people’s experience of Cork city centre, increase footfall and support the local economy. It is open to business network groups and community groups operating in Cork city centre and it also strives to encourage collaboration in specific streets and neighbourhoods.

Welcoming the fund, Lord Mayor, Cllr John Sheehan said ‘Our city centre continues to evolve with lots of new developments underway.  Creating a sense of place is key to a vibrant city centre. As part of its city centre strategy, Cork City Council has been actively encouraging groups at a street or neighbourhood level to work collectively to enhance their area. We have several examples of this and we believe this is another tool to help support that process. Things like planting ,murals, interesting events, atmospheric lighting and creative seating make our public spaces more people friendly and attractive.’ 

With community-based participation at its centre, effective placemaking capitalises on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential, and it results in the creation of quality public spaces that contribute to people's health, happiness, and well being.  It helps local communities to re-imagine everyday spaces.

Groups can apply for up to €10,000 for capital projects although many projects may cost much less. New events may also be eligible if considered unique and contribute significantly towards the fund’s objectives. The City Council is hoping this initiative will build on the success of last years’ scheme and foster other ideas through local groups working together to creatively improve their area.

Further information and application forms can be found at www.corkcity.ie or email donal_guerin@corkcity.ie An optional information session for interested groups will be held on Monday, January 20th at 2.30p.m. in the Multimedia room, City Hall. To book a place please email donal_guerin@corkcity.ie

 City Centre Placemaking Fund 2020 application form.docx (size 1.9 MB)