Lord Mayor to officially open and turn sod on 163 new homes in Cork city today

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle, will today officially open 30 new social housing apartments and turn the sod on another 133 new homes.

Mr Boyle will officiate at the formal opening of 30 A-rated social housing apartments at Carraig View in Blackrock, a mix of six one-bedroom apartments and 24 two-bedroom apartments overlooking the Blackrock- Passage Greenway and Blackrock Hurling Club.

It was developed by Lyonshall Ltd and built by Clancy Construction through Cork City Council’s Competitive Dialogue procurement process and is being managed by Tuath Housing Association on behalf of the council.

Chief Commercial and Development Officer of Tuath Housing Association, Martin Loughran said: “Tuath Housing is proud to be working with Cork City Council to manage these 30 new homes at Carraig View in Blackrock.

“We look forward to our continued partnership with the Council to provide secure, quality housing to the people of Cork.” 

The Lord Mayor and Cork City Council Chief Executive, Valerie O’Sullivan, will also turn the sod on 43 new apartments today, 17 one-bedroom and 26 two-bedroom, at Westside Court on Model Farm Road, near Munster Technological University (MTU).

The development will be delivered by Clancy Project Management Limited and is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH).

He will then turn the sod on a 90 home development; Clover Hill Court at Bessboro Road, Mahon.

Clancy Project Management Limited will oversee the construction of 28 one-bedroom apartments, 56 two-bedroom apartments and six three-bedroom two storey houses.

The ‘urban infill development’ scheme on lands zoned for residential development is supported by Cork City Council and is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH).

The Clover Hill and Westside schemes are being developed using ‘modern methods of construction’, meaning a greater percentage of build will be constructed off-site, ensuring better quality management and less disruption for the surrounding community, which the council have described as a more “fast, cost-efficient and effective process with environmentally friendly materials”.

Mr Boyle said that the developments will prove very important to Cork: 

“I’m exceptionally proud to officially open and break ground on three unique developments which will provide a further 163 new social homes for the people of Cork.

“I must acknowledge Cork City Council’s employment of a variety of mechanisms to achieve housing delivery, one of its key priorities. I would also like to acknowledge the significant ongoing work of all those involved in housing delivery.

“My wish is that these properties provide all the security and comfort of a home to their new tenants and that they participate fully in their respective new communities.” 

Ms O’Sullivan added: “The three residential developments we have visited are demonstrators of the creative design solutions which Cork City Council deploys to deliver our housing programme.

“It is particular source of pride in our team that they developed schemes on brownfield sites to provide homes for people, close to public transport links and existing community and commercial facilities.” 

She acknowledged the work of Brian Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive and the housing team in City Hall, the contractors, the Department of Housing and everyone involved, saying: “I wish those who will live here years of happiness in their new homes.”