Cork City Council shares Mahon modular housing plan

Cork City Council has published plans for a new modular housing development which would deliver more than three dozen units in the Mahon area.

The proposed development, named Estuary Way, would be located at St Michael’s Drive.

The local authority said the proposed development aims to deliver “a pilot project for temporary residential housing”, delivering 38 modular homes. It is understood the proposed development is not being developed for the purpose of housing refugees.

Estuary Way would contain 34 two-bedroom units, two two-bedroom accessible units, and two communal or office space units.

The development would also include the provision of 12 car parking spaces, two disabled parking spaces, two set-down spaces, and communal and public open spaces.

Fianna Fáil councillor Terry Shannon said all types of construction should be considered to ramp up the supply of housing.

“I think it’s a welcome addition in terms of our housing strategy, in terms of looking at all forms of building to try and provide homes,” he told The Echo.

“I think this will certainly give us food for thought in terms of whether this is the way forward, it’s probably part of the overall strategy. I think Irish people like bricks and mortar, everybody likes three beds, a front and back garden, a driveway — that’s not feasible in every case.

“We’ve a lot of houses to build, we’ve a lot of people to house, so this is part of the strategy.”

Labour councillor Peter Horgan said he believed the proposed development would be “positive” for the area.

“It’s welcome that we’re using the modular building techniques to fast-track building in areas where the council has land,” he said.

However, Mr Horgan expressed some concern that a public consultation element has been omitted as the proposed development is being progressed under section 179A of the Planning and Development Act.

Housing developments being constructed by local authorities under section 179A of the Act are classed as exempted development and, where a development is classed as exempted development, there is no public participation process.

The temporary measure was brought in by the Department of Housing in March last year to allow for accelerated delivery of social, affordable, and cost-rental housing by local authorities by way of exemption from the local authority ‘Part 8’ development process.

Where a proposed development meets the established criteria, the ‘Part 8’ process cannot be used. The plans and particulars of Estuary Way will be available to view until October 18. 

See https://consult.corkcity.ie/en.