20 apartments on track for former city railway

An Comisiún Pleanála have granted permission for nearly 20 apartments on a site formerly in use as a single-track railway in the city centre.

The plans include the construction of 19 apartments in two apartment blocks rising to a maximum of four storeys, on a site between 81 and 82 Lower Glanmire Road, opposite Kent Station.

Ten one bed and nine two bed apartments are planned, around a central courtyard, with each apartment to have a balcony.

Permission was issued by Cork City Council on 18 April 2024, but this was appealed by the Summerhill Residents Association and others.

They said that the proposal constitutes overdevelopment due to the excessive number of apartments and density, and that the proposal does not include car parking so there would be increased parking pressures in the area, as well as traffic disruption.

They also suggested it would cause harm to key views, buildings like Kent Station, and the structural integrity of the pedestrian bridge, and said that the quality of accommodation would be affected by noise from the rail tunnel, traffic noise and air pollution.

Developers S&L Supple and Lynch Ltd said that the site is currently vacant and underutilised, that the area had changed with recent larger developments around the docklands, and that the proposal is car free with excellent access to pedestrian and cycle facilities as well as access to public transport.

The ACP inspector said that the proposed development “would not seriously injure the amenities or character of the area or of property in the vicinity, would have no significant transport or traffic impacts, and would overall promote the efficient development of housing on an accessible and sustainable site,” and recommended granting permission.