Applications to open soon for Cork County Council's first cost-rental scheme

Applications will soon be accepted for a new cost-rental housing scheme in Bantry. 

It is open to those who don’t own a home, are above the income threshold for social housing, and are unable to afford private rented accommodation, Cork County Council has announced.

A selection of 10 homes, including two-, three-and four-bedroom houses, located at An Cnocán, in Milleencoola, in the port town, will be available to those who qualify for the scheme. 

Applications open at midday on Monday, October 14.

The rent will be 25% lower than the private market in the area, according to the local authority. 

The A-rated homes will be allocated on a lottery basis to applicants who have submitted all the required documents and who are deemed eligible. Successful applicants will enter a tenancy arrangement with Cork County Council.

County Mayor Joe Carroll described the ‘An Cnocán’ houses as high-quality, affordable rental homes and part of an exclusive development within walking distance of the town centre.

“This new scheme demonstrates the work that Cork County Council is doing to achieve the housing targets set by government,” said Mr Carroll.

County council chief executive Moira Murrell also welcomed the new development and said that cost-rental homes like these offered both security of tenure and a long-term and affordable rental option.

“Bantry is the first scheme in County Cork and further cost-rental schemes will open in Midleton and Bandon in the next number of months, followed by schemes in other towns in 2025 and beyond,” said Ms Murrell.

The application process opens at noon on Monday, October 14, and will continue to welcome applications until noon on Monday, October 28, through the county council’s online application portal on its website, www.corkcoco.ie.

Further information on this scheme and other upcoming schemes, including a guide to making an application, is also available on the website.