56 homes planned for site of former Topps sweet factory

A Part 8 planning notice has been published for a new social housing development at Innishmore in Ballincollig, which will see 56 homes built.

The proposed development ranges in height from two to three storeys, and is located at the former site of Topps sweet factory.

It comprises of the construction of one four-bed house, 17 three-bed houses, 12 one-bed ground-floor apartments, 12 two-bed duplex units, seven two-bed ground-floor apartments, and seven three-bed duplex units.

Also included in the plans are 58 car parking spaces and 120 bicycle spaces, which are being developed on a one hectare site in partnership with OBR Construction Group and Cork City Council.

Sinn Féin councillor for Cork City South West, Joe Lynch, shared his enthusiasm for the development, which is located near his own home.

“The number one priority of Cork City Council, given the current housing crisis, must be to deliver homes of all types across Cork, so this is a welcome proposal; which will provide badly needed homes for workers and families in Ballincollig,” he told The Echo.

“Situated in Innishmore — the estate where I grew up and where I still live — this site is an ideal location for the development of housing.

“Many of us will have great memories of the location in question, being the former home of Topps sweet factory, but it’s a site that has been left vacant for over two decades and is an eyesore in our community, frankly.

“Bringing the site back into use is something I have been working on from day one of being elected to Cork City Council.”

Mr Lynch added that he has made the case to senior council officials “that with new homes must come additional investment in the existing community”, and he said that he will continue to make this case throughout the remainder of planning process and when the proposal — once finalised — is eventually voted on by Cork City Council.

“Existing residents are bound to have questions and queries, and to that end I will be hosting an information evening in Innishmore in the coming weeks to discuss matters. I would encourage everyone to attend,” he said.

“I look forward to engagement with neighbours, residents, and other stakeholders to maximise the community gain from this development; mindful of the need to deliver these badly needed homes for those on the council’s housing list as quickly as possible.”