Opposition to proposed 155-unit housing scheme

A local councillor insists no further housing development should proceed in Lehenaghmore until road upgrades and essential public infrastructure are fully delivered.

Independent Councillor Albert Deasy has voiced strong opposition to Cork City Council’s proposed 155 unit housing scheme for the area. According to him, locals have already filed more than 40 observations with the council in a bid to stop the plan.

Residents say they are deeply worried about traffic congestion, road safety, overdevelopment, and the lack of basic services such as schools, shops, and community facilities.

In June, Cork City Council announced plans for a large-scale development in Lehenaghmore. It would include 155 homes — a mix of houses, duplexes, and apartments up to four storeys high — along with a 42-place crèche.

Cllr Deasy criticised the scale and design of the project. “The claim that this development ‘seamlessly integrates’ with the area is a farce,” he said.

“There are no four-storey buildings in Lehenaghmore, and this high-density plan is completely out of character with the community. Residents who have invested their lives here deserve better than misleading architectural statements that ignore reality,” he said.

The Cork Independent reported earlier this month that long-awaited road improvement works have finally begun in Lehenaghmore, bringing safer roads, new footpaths, better lighting, and upgraded cycle and public transport links.

While welcoming this progress, Cllr Deasy said the works fall far short of what is needed.

“Residents have lived here for over 20 years without basic amenities like shops, schools, community centres, playgrounds, or sports facilities. Lehenaghmore Park remains closed. Adding hundreds of new residents will only worsen the pressure.

“No new development should proceed until infrastructure is in place.”

He also rejected the council’s claim that nearby schools in Togher and Wilton make the location more attractive.

“Parents already spend over an hour bringing their children to these schools,” he said. “Families should have safe, walkable access to schools within their own community.”

According to Cllr Deasy, the proposal would likely fail under normal planning rules due to its disregard for local needs and poor infrastructure.

“Residents are understandably sceptical of more promises after 15 years of being let down by both city and county councils,” he said.

“Building blocks of flats now, before infrastructure is complete, would be the final insult to this community.”

Cllr Deasy is calling on Cork City Council to prioritise residents, complete all promised road works, and deliver key amenities before approving further housing projects.