The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Joe Kavanagh and Lady Mayoress Stephanie Kavanagh on the site of 20 new homes at Ard na Ri in Banduff.Photos: Darragh Kane

New homes across the city

More than 60 new homes have been officially opened in Cork city, with more to begin construction in the coming months.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Joe Kavanagh was on hand to oversee the opening as well as turning the sod on the new developments.

The new homes include nine on Shandon Street and John Philpott Curran Street comprising of a protected structure and two formerly derelict buildings acquired and restored by Cork City Council.

These nine new homes include five one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments aimed in particular at housing older persons who are looking to downsize to a more accessible, centrally located apartment in this historic area of Cork.

The Lord Mayor then opened a further 17 new homes nearby in Lower John Street, another former derelict site regenerated by the City Council.

This scheme will be run by Focus Housing on behalf of Cork City Council and will be comprised of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

He and the Lady Mayoress Stephanie then turned the sod at two new developments at Railway View in Ballyvolane and Middle Glanmire Road.

The development in Ballyvolane will deliver eight new homes, while the larger scheme at Middle Glanmire Road aims to provide 54 new townhouses, 27 of which will be affordable housing for Cork City Council to be offered for sale to eligible applicants.

The remaining 27 will be allocated to those on the social housing list and will be managed by Tuath Housing Association.

Finally, the Lord Mayor opened 20 new homes at Ard na Ri, Banduff and a further 18 new houses at An Choilleog, Woodfield, Blarney.

“I’m incredibly proud today to open so many homes for the people of Cork. It’s truly uplifting after what has been at times, a dark year, full of worry for many. It is my hope that these homes will soon be a source of comfort, security and joy to the families and communities who will live in them. I thank all involved in bringing these vital projects to fruition,” said the Lord Mayor.

Assistant Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Brian Geaney added: “Housing is once again at the very forefront of Cork City Council’s objectives and will remain so for the coming years.

“Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic and public health restrictions, our housing delivery programmes are buoyant and remain very much on track. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all involved and assure people that the city council will continue to lead the way in the delivery of more homes.”