Derelict Docklands land to be used for housing

By Finnian Cox

A new 300 home development has been proposed by the Land Development Agency (LDA) for Cork city’s docklands area, the newest in a series of developments on the waterfront.

Located on the Monahan Road, the LDA aims to use 5 acres of derelict land to build new A-rated affordable homes, on land that was previously owned by semi state renewable energy company BnM.

The derelict site was transferred between the two government agencies after a number of years of negotiation, with the involvement of Cork City Council.

In a location close to Cork city centre, the project could also benefit from the proposed Cork Luas, which is expected to run parallel to the Monahan Road.

Transport for Ireland’s preferred route suggested two stops near the site, at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the Docklands, both of which are in close proximity to the proposed development.

This infrastructure could see a high volume of potential homeowners with the ability to travel in and around the city in a more environmentally friendly way.

Keeping with the theme of greener cities, Cork City Council also aims to use the site to accommodate road-widening works, adding bus and cycle lanes to the Monahan Road.

Chief Executive of Cork City Council Valerie O’Sullivan praised the project, pointing to the transport infrastructure and closeness to Marina Park.

“This is a very welcome step forward for the continued development of Cork Docklands,” said O’Sullivan. “Cork City Council looks forward to continuing its engagement with the LDA as this project progresses.”

In order to get the project underway, the LDA has appointed a team of design experts to prepare a planning application for the development, with hopes to have it lodged by 2027.

It joins the 1400 homes either going through the planning process or under construction around Cork- The docks and the surrounding areas have seen a particularly high amount of development, with another 337 homes being built just up the road at the Marina Depot.

As well as this, across the Lee at Horgan’s Quay 302 apartments are currently under construction which sees the LDA partnering with BAM construction and Clarendon Properties.

LDA Chief Executive John Coleman said the transfer of land between the two state-owned bodies is an important milestone in their efforts to “unlock well-located state land for the delivery of much-needed housing”.

“We are pleased to have worked collaboratively with BnM, Cork City Council and other stakeholders to reach this point, and we look forward to progressing a planning application and advancing delivery in due course,” he said.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.