'Great for Bantry and great for West Cork': County council's first cost-rental scheme opened 

The Mayor of the County of Cork and the Minister for Housing have cut the ribbon on Cork County Council’s first cost rental scheme at An Cnocán, Bantry.

The development of 10 newly built A-rated two, three and four-bed homes aims to provide affordable rented accommodation to people on middle incomes.

Fianna Fáil TD for the area, Christopher O’Sullivan, told The Echo:

“This is great for Bantry and great for West Cork - we know one of the biggest challenges facing the area is the price of rented accommodation, and this cost rental scheme gives people the chance to finally access affordable accommodation to rent.

He continued, “That combined with the affordable housing scheme built next door as well as about 34 social houses just at the adjacent site will be a big boost to the housing provision in the Bantry area.

“Hopefully they can reduce those waiting lists for social housing and help those who are struggling to get accommodation.” Minister O’Brien’s visit to the West Cork town formed part of a series of site visits to affordable and social housing schemes in County Cork, with more than 200 houses made available under the affordable purchase scheme in seven different towns in County Cork to date.

Further cost rental schemes will open in Midleton and Bandon in the coming months with the rent at least 25% below private market rents in each area.

“This excellent development in Bantry is one of many – as we work to scale up delivery of affordable and social homes where they are most needed. 

“These homes will have a transformative impact in this area," Mr O'Brien said.

The Minister for Housing also visited a €9.5m turnkey social housing development at Caherdaniel, Bantry.

Construction is underway on the development which will consist of 34 one, two, three and four-bed homes, with the first phase of 10 houses due to transfer to Cork County Council next year.

It was followed by two projects in Macroom, a town regeneration and social housing development in Sleaveen East and 15 affordable homes in Meadowlands.

The first phase of the Sleaveen development has delivered eight apartments on a derelict vacant site in the town centre, and the second phase consists of a mix of 16 apartments and townhouses.

The Minister concluded his trip with site visits to Baile Adaim in Carrigtwohill where 23 affordable homes are currently for sale and to Brigown Road, Mitchelstown where eight social houses are nearing completion.