‘I’m just delighted to have a house here’: Residents of new Cork housing schemes praise council

More than 100 homes in two Cork City Council housing schemes were officially opened yesterday.

Fianna Fáil councillor Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork, visited the Glenmore Heights affordable housing scheme in Lehenaghmore and the Gairdín Uí Ruacháin social housing scheme in Ballincollig to unveil plaques marking the completion of both schemes.

He met some residents at both developments, including Anne Harrington and her dog Winnie at Gairdín Uí Ruacháin.

Ms Harrington said: “It’s absolutely lovely here. I moved in February last year, and the house is beautiful. The neighbourhood is very quiet. Everybody is very happy, and I’m just delighted to have a house here.”

Laura Sheehan, who lives there with her five-month-old son Niko, had been renting in Blarney before moving to Gairdín Uí Ruacháin.

Waited for over a decade

She said: “We’ve waited over a decade for this home. It’s life-changing, it’s amazing, and such a weight off my shoulders. The community is brilliant, all the neighbours are great, and it’s just nice to have a new home in such a clean and nice area.”

Her neighbours, Nida Siddiqui and husband Naveed Hussain, who live nearby with their son Zoha, who turns four on Wednesday, said they are delighted with their new home.

“We are so happy and glad to have this home, and we would like to thank the city council for this home. Life is really good,” Ms Siddiqui said.

Mr Hussain added: “The houses are so nice and bright, and this is a really nice place for young children and families, and the houses are so nice. We are so happy.”

The Gairdín Uí Ruacháin estate was built in partnership with Murnane and O’Shea, at Carrigrohane, at the eastern end of the town.

The social housing development features 64 homes, comprising 12 apartments in six two-storey blocks, as well as a combination of terraced houses and bungalows.

The Glenmore Heights estate in Lehenaghmore, Togher, comprises 45 homes, all of which are now fully owner-occupied.

Affordable purchase scheme

Delivered under Cork City Council’s affordable purchase scheme, in partnership with OBR Developments, the development includes 24 three-bedroom semi-detached homes, 11 three-bedroom mid-terrace homes, two two-bedroom end-of-terrace homes, and eight two-bedroom mid-terrace homes.

Situated near the N27 and within walking distance of Togher and Wilton, the homes were made available at approximately 20% below open-market value to eligible purchasers.

Shane O’Shaughnessy, a resident of Glenmore Heights, said: “It is incredible to finally say that we have our own home.

“The development is absolutely fantastic, with incredible views of the city and countryside.

“There is already a great sense of community in the estate amongst the neighbours.”

Mr Dennehy said: “Developments such as these play a vital role in increasing the supply of affordable homes, providing long-term security and stability for families across the city.

“The Glenmore Heights scheme is particularly notable within Togher, highlighting the council’s continued investment in areas which came within its remit following the 2019 city boundary extension.

“This area is currently undergoing substantial transformation as part of the Lehenaghmore road improvement scheme, further enhancing its attractiveness as a place to live.”

In the coming weeks, the city council will hand over the 370th set of keys under the affordable housing programme.

Further affordable purchase scheme developments are planned for 2026 and 2027, including 88 in a 155-unit social and affordable housing project also in Lehenaghmore.