Cork councillors gave green light for over 400 homes throughout 2025

Cork city councillors voted to approve the construction of more than 400 homes in 10 different developments across the city in 2025, with many councillors voting in favour despite concerns about infrastructure in the area.

The largest development approved was 155 homes and a 42 child crèche at Lehenaghmore, comprising four four-bedroom houses, 64 three-bedroom houses, 39 two-bedroom houses, six two-bedroom duplex units, two three-bedroom duplex units, 14 one-bedroom apartments, and 26 two-bedroom apartments in a development ranging in height from two to four storeys.

In total, all plans brought before council, covering 408 homes in total, were approved, with many councillors stating that even if a proposal was not perfect, advancing housing plans was hugely important to them.

Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch supported the 155 homes in Lehenaghmore because it would provide much-needed housing but said there were serious infrastructure issues in the area. He said at the council meeting where plans were approved: “There is no childcare, there’s no educational facilities, the traffic is chronic, roads are still unsafe even if progress is now moving forward in that respect, there’s no playground.

“People do feel ignored and they do feel neglected and I don’t blame them.”

Another large development approved by councillors were residential units at the site of the former Coach House in Glyntown, Glanmire. The development consists of 12 three-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom, and 28 one-bedroom apartments, across four three-storey blocks and two four-storey as well as the subdivision of the former Coach House to provide two more three-bedroom units.

A total of 56 homes, comprising one four-bedroom house, 17 three-bedroom houses, 12 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom duplex units, seven two-bedroom apartments and seven three-bedroom duplex units at Innishmore, Ballincollig, were also approved.

They also voted in favour of the development of 54 homes at Scairt Cross, Douglas, including five three-bedroom and three two-bedroom houses, as well as 24 two-bedroom and 22 one-bedroom apartments.

A total of 24 homes at Cooney’s Lane, Grange were approved, with the development consisting of two one-bedroom houses, 16 one-bedroom apartments, and six two-bedroom apartments, as were residential units at the corner of Skehard Rd and Ballinure Ave in Mahon — seven one-bedroom apartments, nine two-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom townhouses, and one three-bedroom townhouse.

Smaller developments granted permission include eight homes on Main St, Ballincollig, including a mix of apartments and townhouses, four apartments at the junction of Boreenmanna Rd and Clanrickarde Estate in Ballintemple, three accessible units at Rope Walk, Blackrock and two apartments on Thomas Davis St, Blackpool.

The plans for each development went out for public consultation, with locals encouraged to put in a submission with feedback about the plans. The council then put together a report summarising the responses received and responding to each concern, in some cases making changes.

Following engagement with local councillors and residents on the Scairt Cross, Douglas scheme, substantial design changes were made, including reducing the height of one of the apartment blocks.