They vanished in June – but now they’ll be back for the rest of the summer
17:53, 22 Jul 2026Updated 17:54, 22 Jul 2026
A busy Fifth Quarter in June, before the trucks moved out(Image: CorkBeo/Thomas Lawrance)
Traders and customers alike were sorely disappointed earlier this year when food trucks disappeared from the lively plaza outside Paul Street Shopping Centre – but now the Council has granted the Fifth Quarter a licence to use the space again.
Food trucks cleared out from the plaza on Friday, June 19 after negotiations between the vendors and Cork City Council, with traders informed of complaints about the space being taken up by their operations. The operators of the Fifth Quarter said they hoped to use the space again soon – and now they can, with food trucks set to return this Friday, July 24 – along with live music and stalls for local businesses.
A spokesperson for Cork City Council told CorkBeo: “Cork City Council has granted a licence to the operators of The Fifth Quarter to use the plaza at Rory Gallagher Place. The licence, which is valid until late September, allows for the operation of the space between 12noon and 9pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 9pm at the weekend.
“We stated in June that the City Council is broadly supportive of initiatives that animate and enhance public spaces, especially in the city centre, and that we are open to engaging constructively with interested parties to develop good ideas that improve the overall city centre experience, provided they are delivered in a compliant, structured and well-managed manner.
“We have delivered on that commitment, and we look forward to seeing the reactivation of this wonderful space.”
The Fifth Quarter team also shared their excitement for the coming re-use of the plaza, which they have termed the Summer Club: “We are incredibly proud to announce The Summer Club, bringing music, dance, creativity and community to The Fifth Quarter Plaza.
“What started as an idea to create something different has only been possible because of the support we’ve received from our amazing customers, local businesses and everyone who has visited, shared and believed in what we are building. Thank you for being part of the journey so far.
“The Summer Club is all about celebrating the people who make this city so special from the food trucks, local performers and creatives to families looking to make memories together this summer.”
It follows an application by the owners of the shopping centre for a new food court on the ground floor.
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