Approval for 800 new social homes in Cork city

Approval has been granted by the Department of Housing for the building of more than 800 new social and affordable homes in Cork city, with a further 190 awaiting approval, The Echo has learned.

Funding for the homes, which number 823 in total, will come as part of a Government allocation worth €700m, which was announced last week.

The developments which have been granted department approval will be located on Tramore Road and on the former Sextant city centre site, and will consist of a mixture of social housing and cost rental units.

The Sextant development, which will be called the Railyard, when complete will be the tallest residential building in Ireland, consisting of 24 storeys, and will entail 217 units, consisting of 99 social homes, and 118 cost rentals.

Construction is to begin in September and is set for completion in September 2027.

Developed by JCD, and built by PJ Hegarty & Son, the development will be run by approved housing body Cluid.

The larger development is at Creamfield on Tramore Rd, on the old CMP site, and will contain 606 units, consisting of 225 social homes, and 381 cost rental homes.

Built by Cairn Homes in a joint venture with Dairygold Co-Op, the owner of the site, the development will be run by Respond, Ireland’s largest construction-led approved housing body.

Both developments already have planning permission.

A third social and affordable housing scheme for Cork, located at Loughmahon and consisting of 190 housing units, is expected to receive approval in the coming weeks. That development will entail 91 social homes and 99 cost rental units.

Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central and his party’s Cork spokesperson, said the new homes would be a major step forward for the city.

“People want the opportunity to live and work in Cork city, and these projects will enable those with various housing needs, such as social housing or cost rental, to do so,” Mr Burke said.

“Furthermore, it will reduce the pressure on the waiting list for social housing in Cork city.” Mr Burke added that because the developments already have planning permission, there should be no delays in completing the projects and ensuring that people could move in at the earliest opportunity.

He paid tribute to Brian Geaney, Cork City Council assistant chief executive, and his staff, as well as Cluid and Respond.

Mr Geaney said the 823 housing units would be a vital addition to Cork’s housing delivery pipeline.

“Cork City Council remains committed to collaborating closely with all stakeholders to deliver thousands of new homes, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live, work, and flourish in Ireland’s dynamic southern capital,” he said.

“These projects exemplify the power of partnership, innovation, and determination in addressing our housing needs.

“We look forward to continuing to drive progress and deliver modern, sustainable homes for the people of Cork.”