Cork will be home to Ireland’s tallest residential building
Cork City Council has announced two major housing projects that are set to reshape the city’s skyline and help meet critical housing needs.
The Railyard Apartmentsand Creamfields developments will deliver a total of 823 new homes.
Railyard Apartmentss will become Ireland’s tallest building, standing at 24 storeys and providing 217 modern homes. The scheme will include a slender, high-standard tower on Albert Quay/Albert Street, stepping down to twelve and then nine floors.
The ground floor will feature a space reserved for the local community and the arts. Built on the historic site of the former Sextant Pub, this project has long been seen as the 'Gateway to the Docklands'. The development will offer cost-rental and social housing, including rightsizing homes for older people.
Brian Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive of Cork City Council, said: “We are really excited about this Railyard Gardens project; it will be a game changer for that side of the city centre. In addition to providing much-needed accommodation for a young workforce, it is adjacent to all transport hubs—it truly ticks all the boxes. This project sets a new benchmark for city centre living in the gateway to the Docklands.”
The development will be delivered by JCD Developments for Clúid Housing.
Construction of The Railyard Apartments is set to begin in September 2025 with an estimated completion date of September 2027.
Creamfields
The Creamfields project on Tramore Road has also received approval. It will include around 606 new homes in an outstanding location.
“Cork City Council has a long history of cooperating with Respond to deliver homes, and this is the biggest collaboration yet, and in an excellent location once again. The scale and ambition of Creamfields will make a significant impact on our housing landscape.’’
The project will be delivered by Cairn Homes Plc for Respond Housing and Dairygold, with support from Cork City Council’s Housing Directorate.
Building for Cork’s future
Together, these 823 homes will play a vital role in Cork’s housing strategy, helping the city meet the demands of a growing population.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, said: “I’m thrilled that Cork City Council is announcing further delivery of new, high quality homes for Cork. We have exceeded our housing targets for the 2022–2024 period and this is demonstrative of the City Council’s commitment to continuing on this upward trend. These two new developments are exciting additions that will support our growing city, creating new homes and communities.”
Brian Geaney concluded: “These projects exemplify the power of partnership, innovation, and determination in addressing our housing needs. We look forward to continuing to drive progress and deliver modern, sustainable homes for the people of Cork.”
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.