Council approves 22 social housing units in Mahon

Cork city councillors have voted to approve 22 new social housing units at the corner of Skehard Rd and Ballinure Avenue in Mahon.

The development will incorporate four two-storey townhouses and a mix of seven one-bed, 10 two-bed, and one three-bed apartments in a three- and four-storey building. There will also be 20 parking spaces.

The development, approved unanimously by councillors at Monday’s council meeting, will be delivered by Clúid Housing in partnership with the council.

Four submissions were received by the council, with one suggesting that this site was originally earmarked for a library which was “badly needed” in the area. The council said the site is reserved for the delivery of housing.

“Cork City Council is at an advanced stage on an option for the future delivery of a library in the local area, and engagement will take place with the elected members at the appropriate juncture,” it said.

One submission said that the sewage system in the area has been repeatedly congested, local residents have had to deal with the smell of sewage, and this will have to be taken into account in relation to this planning application.

Labour councillor Peter Horgan also raised this issue at the meeting, though he said that the housing was overall “a very positive development” for the area.

A council spokesperson said Clúid Housing has received pre-connection feasibility confirmation from Uisce Éireann that the site is suitable for development, without upgrade to the sewer network. The final design for foul drainage servicing of this site will require Uisce Éireann approval, which shall also be a condition of planning consent, they added.