Unanimous backing for demolition of two social housing blocks in Cork city

Cork city councillors have voted unanimously to approve the demolition of two blocks of social housing at Noonan’s Rd.

The works will involve the demolition of blocks two and four, comprising apartments 13-28 and 45-60, as well as the removal of gardens, boundary walls, sheds, and fencing and the disconnection and removal of services.

As part of the plans, soft landscaping will be put in place in preparation for the proposed construction of a multi-unit housing development, as well as fencing around the site to form a boundary to prevent antisocial behaviour and dumping after demolition.

The Echo previously highlighted numerous issues experienced by tenants in the apartments for many years, including crumbling masonry, damp, mould, and rodent activity.

A total of three submissions or observations were received by the council, requesting that the council preserve the existing parking arrangements in this area during the construction phase, and suggesting that the fencing is not warranted and that the area is in need of green space, while another requested that the fencing is continuously maintained to ensure that those areas cannot be accessed for antisocial behaviour.

Submissions also queried whether asbestos works will be undertaken, or works to remove dust and grit that will be landing on neighbouring properties, buildings, and gardens, and queried how much notice local residents would be given regarding commencement of works.

The council said sufficient parking will be preserved for residents during the demolition works.

It said fencing is important to prevent anti-social behaviour, and that it will be inspected regularly and maintained by Cork City Council personnel.

The council said it would procure a licensed specialist contractor to undertake the required asbestos survey, and should asbestos be identified, removal and disposal will be undertaken under strict procedures. It said that debris and dust associated with the demolition will be contained within the site.

“The proposed scheme will provide a clear site for much-needed homes under the Housing for All action plan for housing and homelessness, and will help contribute to dealing with the pent-up demand for housing in the city,” said Cork City Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan.

Councillors thanked the council for its work on the proposals.

Fianna Fáil councillor Seán Martin said the development should be a “flagship project”, as other areas in the city were in need of similar upgrading.

People Before Profit-Solidarity councillor Brian McCarthy said “a lot of these flats haven’t been fit for human habitation for years, and the council knew that” and that the progress was thanks to the residents themselves and local activist William O’Brien, not the council, adding that it was only due to protests and media attention that the decision was made to redevelop the blocks.