Work continues on one of Cork’s largest building projects

CORK City Council has described the City North-West Quarter Regeneration Programme (CNWQR) as “one of the largest building projects in the city currently” which requires phased development of the regeneration area.

It comes following a question put forward by Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins at a recent meeting of Cork City Council, asking if the chief executive could confirm the number of homes built in Knocknaheeny since the project formally commenced.

Director of services Niall Ó Donnabháin replied: “The City North-West Quarter Regeneration Programme is a major project of regeneration by Cork City Council in the northwest area of Cork city. The initial phase of the project was one of refurbishment of 61 existing properties.

“Thereafter, the new build projects completed from 2017 have totalled 99 homes, with a further 103 homes currently under construction, 105 homes at final design and pre-tender approvals (to commence in 2024 once all relocations and demolitions are complete) and a further 97 homes currently under design.

“The Approved Housing Body Sector has also delivered 21 homes in the same timeframe. Delivery to date therefore comprises a total of 181 homes. Significant infrastructure works have also been undertaken as enabling works, to facilitate future development, eg Irish Water watermain diversions.”

Mr Ó Donnabháin said the building programme did not commence in 2011 and said the initial starting point for the regeneration project was when the CNWQR Masterplan & Implementation Report was published in 2011, and was subsequently developed into a relocation strategy and construction programme, as well as the finalisation of a Design and Public Realm strategy.

He said the project involves the demolition of over 450 houses and their replacement by over 650 new homes as well as a range of social, environmental and economic interventions, with funding support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

He described the project as “one of the largest building projects in the city currently” and said the city council has completed Phases 1 and 2 relocations, with 75% of Phase 3 now complete, which he said is essential to the progression of the next phases of the project.

“The construction programme has been delivering since 2017, notwithstanding being affected by pandemic-related construction shutdowns and Ukrainian war-related materials shortages and delays,” he said.