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SCENARIO 2: Nero (National scenario: WILD CATS OF EQUALITY)
It is the year 2030 and the people’s Republic of Cork is being accused of “fiddling while Rome
burns”. A city, once reputed for its dogged mindset, Cork has more recently assumed a
complacent attitude towards its economic, political and social responsibilities. In an Ireland that
is generally lauded for its endeavour towards the 21 st century ideals of equality, solidarity and
sustainability, Cork will be the cause of its own downfall if it does not avoid the potentially
destructive path that it is set to follow. As such, “Nero” is a scenario that calls for a reexamination
of the concept of Cork, before it is too late.
Cork Perspective
Cork has been identified as one of the main culprits guilty of riding too recklessly the Post-Celtic
Tiger wave that swept across the country during the 2010s. Given its inward looking mindset and
emphasis on protecting local interests, Cork never truly achieved its goals of becoming a unified
entity and the thriving capital of the South West region as set out by the Cork Area Strategic
Plan 2001-2020.
Economy
Cork’s economic situation has remained stable, albeit sluggish, ever since the national economic
downturn in 2012, following the global oil crisis that same year. Having slipped behind Dublin,
Galway, Limerick and Waterford in disposable income and investment levels, Cork currently runs
the risk of losing its counter-weight pull to the Eastern corridor through complacency and a lack
of innovative, joined-up thinking. Enterprise development is badly needed to revamp Cork’s
economy and to help the city pull away from its dependency on the state. Partnership between
all sectors will be crucial in helping Cork achieve a more competitive position in a merciless
“glocalized” marketplace that is at once global and local. What is needed is a new economic
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In fact, the task became
significantly more difficult
throughout the 2020s as Cork
continued to assume a noticeably
blasé attitude towards its future
role within an increasingly
competitive Ireland. A radical shift
in thinking is, therefore, urgently
required if Cork is to drive the
Atlantic Gateway Corridor forward
in acting as a counterbalance to the
economic engine of the Dublin-
Belfast Economic Corridor.