The whole project is going back out to tender.

Following a decision by the Government, the Cork Events Centre is set to face a retendering process, representing yet another setback to this long overdue project, eight years since the sod was turned.

In a joint statement, Cork Chamber, the Cork Business Association (CBA), the Cork branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), the Vintners Federation (VFI) in Cork, and the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) expressed disappointment at the news that the Cork Events Centre is set to be hit by further delays but welcomed the commitment to delivery by Government.

“With a general election expected in the coming weeks, all parties must commit to delivering this key infrastructure project for Cork and the wider region as quickly as possible.

‘It’s time to make a firm commitment’

“It is vital that this new retendering process is undertaken and completed as a matter of urgency, and that clear timelines are provided for the Events Centre’s final delivery.

“The Events Centre has been hit by delay after delay in the eight years since the sod was turned on the site in 2016; now is the time to make a firm commitment to its long-awaited delivery.”

The Events Centre, under the current plans for its development, would have 6,000 seats and could attract an annual attendance of about 500,000 people.

“An infrastructure project of this scale has the potential to be transformative for Cork city centre and the south of Ireland as a whole, bringing considerable cultural, social and economic benefits to the region,” they added.