Cork South-Central profile – Candidates and issues

Cork South-Central has long been where the big beasts of Irish politics have battled it out, but change is certain in this election as Michael McGrath and Simon Coveney stand down.

Here is everything you need to know about the area before heading to the polls on November 29th.

The constituency

Cork South-Central is broadly middle class with working-class enclaves in Togher, Ballyphehane and Mahon.

The constituency also includes the commuter town of Carrigaline as well as Cork Lower Harbour, home to many pharmaceutical companies.

The boundaries of Cork South-Central have expanded slightly since the last election to take in 12 electoral districts in Cork city centre that were previously in Cork North-Central. The population of the constituency is 153,441.

The issues

Housing is a major concern in Cork South-Central, with most households in the city centre renting from private landlords and rents soaring in recent years.

Another concern is transport, with…