Update on Cork city's northside housing given to local councillor

An update on travel, housing and infrastructure in the Mayfield area was provided to Green party councillor Oliver Moran at the latest local area committee meeting, with council management reporting in numerous projects that were in progress and recently completed.

Current active travel initiatives in the area include the measures being delivered under the Ballyvolane Public Transport Improvement Scheme to the west, and the proposed active measures under Bus Connects STC B to the South.

In housing, the council is progressing the retrofitting of social housing in Mayfield through the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme funded through the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage. This is a 30-year programme that commenced in 2021.

As part of the project there is a target that 25% of the social housing stock will have an energy rating of B2 or better by 2030.

RETROFITTING

Retrofitting works have been completed to date in the following estates: Boyne Crescent (25 houses), Corrib Lawn (49 houses), Lotamore (19 houses), Dún Ard (33 Units), Lotabeg (5 houses), Silverheights (5 houses), other estates (9 houses). 

Construction works are ongoing or contracts awarded in: Ballinderry Park, Annalee Grove, Glencree Crescent, Gweedore Avenue, and Liffey Park.

Tenders to procure works have been published for a further 29 houses in Annalee Grove, Glencree Crescent, Gweedore Avenue and Liffey Park. Design Works have commenced on 36 units in the ArdBhaile/Glennamoy Lawn complex.

The council is also at the feasibility assessment stage for the future redevelopment of the Tarry Path Area.

A spokesperson said: 

“In due course, when initial feasibility is concluded and funding routes are identified, a submission will be made to the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage for funding.” 

Under the Community Climate Action Programme Fund, significant funding was allocated to the Mayfield area to deliver the installation of solar panels, bike parking, drinking water dispensers, and the creation of a dye garden amongst other actions.

Many Mayfield applications have been made under tranche two of this scheme, and at present, this portfolio of applications is being assessed by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. Projects chosen for funding should receive notification before the end of Q2.

“Cork City Council operates a wide-reaching dereliction and vacancy policy," said the spokesperson.

"In the north east ward to date, over 131 applications have been received for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, to return long term vacant or derelict properties to use, contributing a potential €7m in direct funding. 

"Further applications are encouraged and the derelict sites team will guide all applicants through the best funding routes for their circumstances.

“In addition, 24 sites in the north east ward are on Cork City Council’s derelict sites register, with active measures to return them to use. A further 44 sites are under investigation. The derelict sites team assist owners with a variety of options to facilitate a return to use."

They added that the derelict sites team will continue its ‘In the community’ engagement with a pop-up session planned for Mayfield in 2026.