Taoiseach turns sod on 95 new homes
The sod has been officially turned on 95 new homes in Cork city, the majority of which will be affordable homes.
The housing scheme, at Glenbride, Kilnap on the Old Mallow Road, will provide 86 affordable homes for sale via Cork City Council’s Local Authority Affordable Purchase scheme and a further nine homes as social housing.
The affordable homes will be available for sale around 20% below open market value to those who qualify for the Affordable Housing Scheme,
They will be put up for sale in the third quarter of this year, with the first homes expected to be handed over to successful applicants in early 2026.
The development is designed to provide homes for families in the heart of Cork’s northside in the face of a well-documented housing shortage on Leeside.
Turning the sod on the development were An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD; Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle; and Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle said: “The commencement of construction at Glenbride, Kilnap is a significant milestone for Cork city. This development will provide much-needed affordable and social housing, helping to address the housing shortage and support our vibrant community.”
Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan said: “This development not only addresses the pressing need for affordable and social housing but also strengthens our community by providing quality homes for families.
"It is wonderful for our brilliant housing team to witness the positive impact of their work on the lives of people who will reside here for years to come,” added Ms O’Sullivan.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also visited the historic scheme at Millfield Cottages, Blackpool to officiate at the formal opening of 18 new social housing two-bedroom terraced homes which had been derelict for over a decade in a prime location in Blackpool, close to Blackpool Shopping Centre.
These cottages were originally built to house workers from the nearby Sunbeam Wolsey Textile plant, a major employer in the area from the 19th century until its closure in 1995.
He said: “I am delighted to visit these very important developments providing social and affordable homes in the heart of Cork. It Is a pleasure to officially open the new homes at Millfield Cottages in Blackpool, a great example of how we can transform derelict sites into much needed homes.
“In addition, the 95 mixed tenure homes starting construction in Glenbride will meet the needs of many families in this city,” added Mr Martin.