Extra houses added to the next phase of Knocknaheeny's regeneration

MORE than 40 houses are to be developed in the next phase of works of the Knocknaheeny regeneration.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney confirmed that more than €10 million in funding will be allocated to advance the scheme later this year, an increase from approximately €6.7 million.

Initially the next phase of works - phase 1C of the scheme - was due to include the development of 27 houses.

The houses are being developed as part of a wider scheme that will see the delivery of hundreds of new homes to the city's northwest quarter over the coming years, as well as the upgrade of the public realm.

Minister Coveney said that such projects were essential to continuing the influx of development and investment in Cork over the coming years.

Confirming the funding, he said, "I'm delighted to be able to approve this additional funding for Cork City Northwest Regeneration Project.

This allows Cork City Council increase the number of units in the current phase from 27 to 41, with total funding over €10 million."

The funding has been allocated as part of the Rebuilding Housing plan, designed to increase house building to 'at least 25,000 homes per annum by 2021', according to Mr Coveney.

"There are now more than 500 projects, involving the construction of over 8,400 units, at various stages in the process throughout the country," he added.

Mr Coveney identified a number of sites in Cork city as ripe for further housing development over the coming years.

He said, "We are working to see the potential of this great city realised as evidenced by our support for many projects like the docklands.

"I firmly believe that if we are to anticipate, as I do, more success on the jobs and investment front for Cork, then we need to ensure that workers have somewhere to live, in and amongst the city.

"We must not overlook the potential of strategic central locations such as the docks area, the environs of Kent station and other similar infill sites dotted around the city centre."

Cork's incoming Lord Mayor, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, hailed the revival of the city's north-west quarter.

Mr Fitzgerald and his family have lived in the area since the 1970s.

He said, "This additional funding will further advance the regeneration programme to accommodate the increasing needs of residents in the area.

"I am delighted that the scheme has increased in size and welcome the large number of new housing projects coming on stream in the city."