More than 230 new social homes to be built in Cork

More than 230 homes have been announced for Cork as part of a major investment into the provision of social housing across the country.

The announcement, made by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, will see €436 million allocated to meet social housing needs nationwide.

Among the homes planned under the announcement, 234 homes are set to be built across Cork city and county over the period 2025 – 2027, with construction on some projects set to commence this year.

Fine Gael Cork North West TD, John Paul O’Shea said that the homes allocated for Cork under this announcement will be facilitated by an investment of more than €30 million.

“The funding announced for Cork, where 234 new social homes will be built, is a vital part of our ongoing efforts to address housing shortages across the country,” said Mr O’Shea.

“The delivery of these new homes in Cork will be facilitated by an investment of €35 million, ensuring that local communities have the necessary resources to address housing needs.” The construction of the homes in Cork will come under a wider funding allocation of €111 million, announced by Mr Browne for 82 new social housing projects, which will see a total of 1,300 homes built across Ireland, to a total development cost value of €517 million.

The funding of €111 million will be taken from the €450 million already allocated for social and affordable housing, which was recently announced by government.

Mr Browne also announced that the funding allocation includes capital funding of €325m, which will be allocated to support the second-hand acquisitions programme 2025.

“Alongside new builds, we are also prioritising the acquisition of second-hand homes, enabling local authorities like Cork county and city council to quickly bring additional homes into the social housing stock,” said Mr O’Shea.

“This strategy is about acting swiftly to address immediate housing needs in Cork and for the people of Cork.

“This funding will also support initiatives that help prevent homelessness, with a focus on tenant-in-situ acquisition.” Fianna Fáil Cork North West TD, Aindrias Moynihan said: “This is a timely and targeted boost for Cork.

“It allows our local authority to act decisively, whether that’s keeping families in their homes, providing for older people or those with disabilities, or regenerating vacant properties in rural towns through buy and renew.

“Tackling the housing crisis requires a range of solutions, from new builds to strategic acquisitions, and this funding empowers cork city and county council to deliver where it’s needed most.”