Cork Business Association say they expect a 94 percent occupancy rate on the street by Spring when new shops open in the city.
Carroll’s Irish Gifts recently opened a second store on the street while the former Debenhams premises has been taken over will reopen as Elvery’s sport shop early next year.
Speaking to RedFM News, President of Cork Business Association, Kevin Herlihy, says it was hard to see so many derelict shops on Patrick Street over the past few years
"The reason a lot of the businesses were closing down was online retailing, which really decimated and particularly during COVID, when people had no choice but to buy their clothes etc.. online and that really had a negative effect on retail. But it really is certainly bouncing back now and there's a sense of confidence out there now. Talking to the auctioneers and real estate agents around the city, there's a sense of confidence and a real sense that the vulnerability has passed"
