House prices in Cork coastal town are at 'south Dublin levels'

High property prices and rents are effectively forcing middle-income earners out of the picturesque seaside town of Kinsale, according to local independent councillor Alan Coleman.

Mr Coleman raised the matter at the recent meeting of Cork County Council’s western division committee following the presentation of the local area housing report to councillors.

Mr Coleman said rents in Kinsale were effectively at “south Dublin levels”, putting property in the town out of the reach of all but the most affluent.

He said high rents and house prices meant the only people who could realistically expect to secure property in the town were the very wealthy or those allocated social housing.

Referring to a new council housing development he said: “Ideally, we want to have a mix of private, affordable, and social housing in developments, but here we don’t seem to be able to mix even affordable and social housing.”

Mr Coleman added: “The middle is being squeezed out of Kinsale. The only people being catered for are those who can afford expensive houses and those allocated social housing.”

There appeared to be no social leasing properties available in Kinsale, he added.

“If there is no social leasing in Kinsale, the town with the highest rents in the county, what does that say about our social leasing policy? You’d have to question that policy.”

Officials from Cork County Council’s housing directorate said they would note Mr Coleman’s comments.

• This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.