Praise from Cork's Lord Mayor as house builds exceed target

The new Lord Mayor has said he is pleased that Cork City Council has exceeded its target for the provision of new-build homes for the period 2022–2024 — with 1,749 new homes built over the past three years.

Fianna Fáil councillor Fergal Dennehy, who was elected Lord Mayor last month, welcomed news that the city council achieved 106% of its 1,646 target.

Mr Dennehy said he was particularly proud that 36% of the new homes were own-build projects, describing it as “a significant investment in the city’s future”.

Paying tribute to council staff and elected members, he said the council’s “progressive dialogue” with central Government, approved housing bodies, and other stakeholders had helped deliver results for the people of Cork.

However, he added, considerable work still lay ahead.

“We still have a long way to go in terms of social and affordable housing provision,” said Mr Dennehy.

“The current homeless figures, the number of people on our social housing waiting list, and the growing demand for cost rental and affordable housing remain significant challenges.

“However, it is encouraging to know that we are heading in the right direction.”

Mr Dennehy said there remained a pressing need to supply a diverse range of housing solutions across social, affordable, and cost rental options.

“We know the figures in relation to our social housing lists, and we’ve seen through recent affordable housing schemes, such as Glenmore Heights in Lehanaghmore, that there is huge interest in affordable units,” he said.

“It’s really a case of getting the balance right and addressing issues such as the increasing need for one-bedroom dwellings and specially adapted homes. Exceeding its target showed Cork City Council’s ongoing commitment to addressing the housing crisis and to delivering inclusive, sustainable homes for all.”