Ambition is to make Cork the safest and cleanest city.
The annual Cork Business Association (CBA) Safe & Clean Business Breakfast took place this morning at the Clayton Hotel Cork City, bringing together business leaders, community stakeholders, and city representatives to discuss the future of Cork City.
CBA President Dave O’Brien (Head of Tax at Xeinadin), opened the event by highlighting that “safety and cleanliness are the foundations of a thriving city”, noting that they shape how people experience Cork, how long they stay, and whether they return.
“It is our ambition – and that of the city’s key stakeholders – to have the safest and cleanest city,” he said. “Small, visible changes, made by us, the business community, in addition to stakeholders, can transform how our city feels, and a lot of positive action has taken place over the past year.”
O’Brien praised the work of the CBA Safe & Clean Committee, chaired by Kate Culhane of Neville Jewellers, alongside CBA Director Cliona Barnes and the CBA executive team. Over the two years, the committee has led several impactful initiatives, including:
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Cleaning and Greening Days on North Main Street and Oliver Plunkett Street, which not only enhanced the city’s appearance but also fostered community spirit – even drawing admiration from visiting tourists.
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The Leave a Light On campaign and Coffee House Lates, run in partnership with Fiona Collins, Cork’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, helping make streets feel brighter and safer during the darker months.
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Securing funding and supporting the establishment of Community Safety Wardens for Cork City – a new initiative led by Cork City Council. The wardens, who were introduced at the event, will soon be a visible presence on the streets, promoting a safer and more welcoming city centre.
O’Brien acknowledged the progress made by Cork City Council and An Garda Síochána over the past year, including enhanced deep cleaning operations and a more visible Garda presence. However, he also emphasised the need for continued collaboration and investment:
“The role of the CBA and our members is to work in partnership with key stakeholders to find solutions. We don’t believe in pointing fingers – we believe in rolling up our sleeves. Cork deserves the highest standards, and together we can achieve them.”
The event, chaired by Deirdre O’Shaughnessy of the Irish Examiner, featured a strong line-up of speakers, including Inspector James Hallahan of An Garda Síochána, Dermot Kavanagh, CEO of Cork Simon Community, and John Hayes, City Centre Coordinator with Cork City Council.
Inspector Hallahan provided valuable updates on city safety and policing trends:
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Shoplifting has increased by 5%, largely due to stronger reporting systems developed with the CBA Retail Committee.
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Supermarkets are among the most targeted premises, with Tuesdays during lunchtime and stocktaking hours emerging as peak times for theft.
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568 arrests have been made this year, involving 365 offenders. Of the top 20 shoplifters, 60% are now in custody and 35% are on bail and not permitted in the city.
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Thefts of e-scooters and e-bikes have risen, with Gardaí working on enforcement to ensure e-scooters cannot exceed 20km/h.
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Encouragingly, there has been a 50% reduction in assaults, obstruction, and resisting arrest, and public order offences are down by 44%.
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Community policing van is returning to Cork City Centre from 21st October to January 2026 giving a mobile visible presence round the city centre.
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Increased patrols in the city daily (covert and overt) with stop and search and targeting of prolific shoplifters.
Dermot Kavanagh, CEO of Cork Simon Community, spoke about the ongoing challenges of homelessness in Cork and the importance of a compassionate, coordinated response.
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The number of adults experiencing homelessness in Cork City has increased by 70%, rising from 400 in August 2020 to 576 in August 2025.
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15% of these are long-term homeless; prioritising housing for this group could free up 38 emergency beds each nights
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Businesses are playing a key role through donations, sponsorships, and work placements.
Kavanagh called on the business community to continue supporting inclusive solutions, saying: “Cork City needs to be a city of inclusion – using business networks to promote housing and homelessness solutions.”
John Hayes, City Centre Coordinator with Cork City Council, outlined the Council’s renewed focus on the city centre through the establishment of a new City Centre Directorate, which will drive revitalisation, regeneration, and accessibility – ensuring Cork remains “socially, culturally and economically viable.”
Initiatives include:
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A new full-time dedicated street washing crew.
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A bespoke deep-cleaning vehicle designed specifically for the city centre.
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Installation of hanging baskets and enhanced greening.
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Power washing of bridges and railings, with the removal of weeds and debris.
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A painting grant scheme for North Main Street in partnership with the CBA.
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A Night-Time Economy Strategy now in place.
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Safe and Sound safety training available for local businesses.
Hayes also spoke about the recruitment of City Centre Wardens, developed in collaboration with the CBA. Over 100 people applied for the roles, reflecting local pride and enthusiasm. Four wardens have been hired and will undergo extensive training before taking to the streets in November. Their role will focus on providing a visible social presence, monitoring conditions, and reporting to the city operations team.
During the Q&A Evelyn Moynihan, CEO of Kilkenny Design, said she saw a lot of positives in the city over the past few months but “we need to get word out there that Cork is a safe and vibrant city.”
O’Brien’s closing reaffirmed the CBA’s commitment to partnership and progress:
“Cork is a special city – full of character, energy, and resilience. When we work together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
For more on Cork Business Association and how you can get involved, see www.corkbusiness.ie
