MORE than 70 homes on Harbour View Road in Hollyhill are to benefit from an energy efficiency retrofit scheme with works due to commence in the next two weeks.

The houses will receive external wall insulation; air to water heat pumps; solar panels; ventilation systems for bathrooms and kitchens and a solid fuel insert stove.

The work is to be carried out by Cork City Council and contractors Northside Community Enterprises and SE systems.

Local councillor Thomas Gould (SF) said the work is much needed after the homes were excluded from the Northwest Quarter Regeneration project.

“It’s brilliant because the houses were excluded from the regeneration project which never made any sense to me. There is a residents group there that are very active and held and organised meetings,” Mr Gould said.

“It’s only right that this is being done. Excluding these homes from the regeneration project is righting this wrong. The work is due to commence in the next couple of weeks and it’s great news for the people there,” Mr Gould added.

Councillor Tony Fitzgerald (FF) added: “I understand that there is a very specific but manageable timeframe in order for the works to commence and be delivered. To that end, it can be expected to see people on the ground immediately knocking on doors and preparing for works.

“The work will be similar to that undertaken on six properties completed in 2018, as a pilot project. Northside Community Enterprises will give an overview of the works to private owners.

“This is great news which was supported by a local residents group. The campaign for these residents has been ongoing since the first phase of the regeneration [project]. These residents were excluded and they deserve to be included in the programme,”