Construction on new homes set to begin at 'white elephant' site of former nursing home in Ballincollig

BOOTS on the ground are soon expected at the site of a former nursing home in Ballincollig earmarked for social housing units.

Construction on six townhouses at the site of the now demolished Madonna House is due to commence this month.

“This was a former disused nursing home that had fallen into disrepair for a number of years in Ballincollig and it was an eyesore,” local Fianna Fáil councillor Colm Kelleher told The Echo.

“There was a Part 8 planning application went before councillors about two and a half years ago to effectively demolish the former nursing home, Madonna House, and build six three-bedroom two-storey townhouses onto Station Rd.

“There was a number of amendments to the scheme at the time which myself and other councillors raised.

“The concerns were listened to and we voted on it two and a half years ago in council,” he continued.

However, following the demolition of Madonna House, Mr Kelleher said the project faced a number of “speed bumps”, with concerns mounting locally regarding the delays.

“It’s been idle and it’s been a ‘white elephant’ on Station Rd in Ballincollig, but we’ve gotten confirmation that the tender has been awarded and that a programme of 12 months is envisaged for completion of the works,” he said.

Mr Kelleher described the update as “very welcome news” for the town.

The proposed development went to public consultation in May 2021 with the main elements of the scheme including the demolition of Madonna House, the “necessary alterations and repair to the Tudor Grove apartments building” - where the Madonna House link corridor was located - and the construction of the six townhouses.

The site for the six houses is in the southeast corner of the site, now in the ownership of Cork City Council, and contained the former nursing home, which before it was demolished had been vacant since 2011.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said the development of the new homes is “due to commence construction this month and will take approximately 12 months to complete”.

“The development, to be named Railway Terrace, will deliver six three-bedroom townhouses in the heart of Ballincollig on a formerly derelict site.

“The existing scheme behind Madonna House (Tudor Grove) is not affected,” the spokesperson added.