#PortCorkSite - Elected representatives were dismayed to be told yesterday that Cork City Council does not have plans for the historic site, which was once earmarked for a National Diaspora Centre.

The Evening Echo reports that in recent weeks, the Port of Cork listed the 2.9 acre site at the entrance to the city on the market for approximately €7 million. The site includes the old Custom House and the Bonded Warehouses.

It was hoped that a bid may be forthcoming from the local authority in order to transform the site into a critical piece of tourism infrastructure for Cork, though this now seems unlikely.

Officials from City Hall informed councillors at last night’s meeting of Cork City Council that it is ‘not in a position to fund the acquisition’ of the site.

A spokesperson for City Hall told councillors that, “The City Council does not have a plan for the Cork Harbour Commissioners building which is currently for sale on the open market following a decision by the Port of Cork company to put it on the market.

“The City Council is not in a position to fund the acquisition of the property, nor to develop the premises as a maritime or diaspora centre.”

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