War of words erupts between rival politicians in Cork over Knocknaheeny regeneration works 

A war of words over a social housing project and the regeneration of Knocknaheeny has erupted between politicians from rival parties.

Work on 24 social housing units which commenced almost four years ago has been at a standstill for almost 12 months.

Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald has rejected accusations from Sinn Féin politicians that his party have failed on the regeneration in Knocknaheeny by calling on the Sinn Féin elected representatives to ‘get’ involved in positive news for the northside rather than continuing to give negative images of the area.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould highlighted that work on 24 social housing units in Phase 2C of the regeneration on Kilmore Road in Knocknaheeny which commenced almost four years ago has come to a standstill. 

“It’s not good enough. The first meeting to discuss the regeneration was in 2000. 

"For 23 years, the regeneration in Knocknaheeny has been spoken about and yet it is still not half finished. 

"People are sick of broken promises and excuses from Fianna Fáil,” he said.

“Fianna Fáil’s position on the Northwest Quarter Regeneration is no longer tenable,” added Deputy Gould. “Fianna Fáil cannot be out in the media claiming to express frustration at the pace of the regeneration while simultaneously, as a government party, completely fail to seek accountability on the progress of the plan.

“The people of Knocknaheeny want regeneration, not half-built houses. They want to progress with the plan, as proposed, quickly, and efficiently. This has gone beyond a joke and people are sick of the northside being neglected,” he added.

Deputy Gould contrasted the lack of houses currently being built in Knocknaheeny with Ballymun in Dublin after they embarked on a similar regeneration plan. 

“In Ballymun from 2002 to 2008, according to Ballymun Regen10, almost 4000 new homes were built. In the last 10 years of the regeneration in Knocknaheeny, less than 200 homes have been delivered. The Minister told me last December that the project is expected to run to 2027. At the current construction rate, the project will be running for decades longer than that.” 

Accountability

Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins has called for an emergency meeting of the Regeneration Committee. 

“Serious questions must now be answered," he said. "I am calling for an emergency meeting of the Regeneration Committee as there must be accountability for recent communication with councillors. We want people who will act for the people of Knocknaheeny, who will prioritise the regeneration and who will hold Cork City Council to account.” 

His party colleague, Cllr Mick Nugent encouraged Cork City Council to ‘explore’ all avenues in resuming construction on the site and in sticking to the timeline for regeneration.

Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald however said the 2C development is not a political issue. 

“With the 2C development, that is a contractual dispute between Cork City Council and the contractor. It is not a political issue. It is not a government issue. The funding is secure for the development. 

"As a local resident I am as frustrated as anybody that this development is not completed. 

"Hopefully, the negotiations will be completed very soon.” 

Cllr Fitzgerald also dismissed the accusations from the Sinn Féin representations and said if they were in government, they would "never deliver" the regeneration programme currently being progressed in the area. 

“€109 million has been secured for the area from 2014 to December 2022. Sinn Féin will never deliver this type of programme, either locally or nationally if they are in government. 99 homes have been completed. 103 are under construction. 120 are at the planning stage. €2m has been secured with social interventions and there are other major plans underway under the Cork Northwest regeneration. It is very poor opposition for public representatives to make these comments when the facts are otherwise."

Committed 

“Both Cork City Council and the government are committed to completing the whole plan," added Cllr Fitzgerald. 

"It would be best for Sinn Féin to be involved in positive news for the northside rather than continuing to give negative images of the area."

Cork City Council were contacted for comment. Earlier this year, a statement from the local authority said: "“Works are not currently being progressed on site by the contractor, and Cork City Council continues to work with the appointed contractor with a view to the earliest possible delivery of more quality homes at this location.”