Apartment scheme on site of former Cork bar hailed as 'a rebirth of city living' 

More than 200 apartments at the former Sextant bar site on Cork's south docks are to proceed to development, with the scheme hailed as being “the rebirth of city living” for the people of Cork.

The multi-million Railyard Apartments development comprises of the construction of 217 apartments on Albert Street, incorporating 25 studio units, 92 single-bedroom units, 88 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units.

Also part of the plans are external balconies, rooftop terraces, bike spaces, external public realm and internal communal spaces including a ground floor for community or arts use, with external seating area and a ground floor creche with external covered play area.

The development, on the site of the former Sextant Bar and Carey’s Tool Hire, is proposed to be carried out for Cork City Council by way of a project agreement with Progressive Commercial Construction Limited.

Affordable housing

Cork City Council intends to partner with an approved housing body to deliver and manage the proposed apartments scheme. 

It will have an emphasis on cost rental affordable housing, and a social housing element , which will include accommodation for older persons, those with a disability.

Brian Geaney, Cork City Council acting chief executive, said, the proposed scheme will provide much needed homes under the national Housing for All Plan.

“It is considered to be in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development,” said Mr Geaney.

He added that an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening concluded that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment.

Approved

The apartment scheme was unanimously approved at tonight’s council meeting, with Fianna Fáil Cork City South East councillor Mary Rose Desmond saying: “I’m delighted to see this go through having gone through consultation – it is great to see this being reverted back into accommodation.” 

Her ward colleague, Fine Gael’s Damian Boylan, said: "This area is going to be the premier area to live in Cork, and that there will be cost rental housing available to rent so that people can have a home forever. It is great news for the city of Cork - I look forward to seeing it.” 

Labour Party councillor for the area Peter Horgan added: This is a rebirth of inner city living and it’s what we should be doing - it’s more of these projects we need to put forward.”