103 New Homes Planned for Kennedy Quay in Cork's South Docks

The Land Development Agency (LDA) and O'Callaghan Properties have announced plans to deliver 103 new homes at Kennedy Quay in Cork's South Docks, with construction due to start in the coming weeks.

The development is located next to the River Lee, adjacent to the former Odlums flour mill. It is a core part of the ongoing regeneration of the Cork Docklands and will act as a catalyst for further redevelopment in the immediate and surrounding area.

The 103 homes will comprise 45 one-bed, 42 two-bed and 16 three-bed apartments. Construction is expected to take approximately 27 months, meaning residents could be living in the first of the new A-rated homes by the end of 2028.

The site is within walking distance of the proposed route of LUAS Cork, and is close to Kent Station, the Marina Promenade and Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

This is the first Project Tosaigh partnership between the LDA and O'Callaghan Properties, one of the country's largest privately owned property development firms. Project Tosaigh sees the Agency partner with private homebuilders, providing the financial stimulus needed to ensure homes are built and completed.

O'Callaghan Properties also has further plans to transform the immediate Kennedy Quay area to create a dynamic and sustainable new waterfront neighbourhood in Cork's Docklands, including commercial and retail space and further residential development. The company is also planning to restore and return the iconic Odlums mill building to use. The building was originally constructed around 1892 as a granary and was previously a busy and distinctive landmark on the city's quays, housing offices, storage facilities and an active mill.

The external facades of the Odlums building are to be retained. Significant features of architectural and industrial heritage interest have already been carefully removed and salvaged, with some intended to feature internally and externally within future phases of the wider Kennedy Quay development, where feasible. The company is planning to announce details of its restoration and redevelopment plans in the coming months.

The new housing development is the first phase of the regeneration of Kennedy Quay and will add significantly to the LDA's delivery pipeline in Cork. The Agency is nearing completion of 302 apartments at Horgan's Quay in partnership with BAM and Clarendon Properties, and is partnering with Glenveagh on 337 homes under construction at Marina Depot in the South Docks.

The Agency is also on site delivering 267 homes at the former St Kevin's Hospital site in Shanakiel, and has secured planning permission for 345 homes on former ESB lands in Wilton and 147 at Anglesea Terrace in Cork City Centre as part of a partnership with Cork City Council. A site in Kilbarry with potential for approximately 1,000 homes has been transferred to the LDA by IDA Ireland, while a further South Docks site with potential for 300 homes has been transferred by BnM.

James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage:

"I am delighted to welcome plans to develop over a hundred much-needed homes in the heart of Cork's iconic docklands. These A-rated apartments will provide wonderful homes in a fantastic, vibrant, and central location close to essential amenities and attractions. I would like to commend the work of the LDA in conjunction with O'Callaghan Properties as part of Project Tosaigh and I think it really underscores how both the public and private sector can work together effectively to build the homes we need to reach the ambitious targets set out in our Housing Action Plan, 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities'."

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency:

"This is a very welcome partnership between the LDA and O'Callaghan Properties and we look forward to delivering a great place for people to live in a fantastic part of Cork. The 103 homes are being developed in a prime location in Cork's South Docks and the project will serve as a key component in the wider and ongoing transformation of the Cork Docklands, which the LDA is actively involved in. All the homes will be A-Rated and well-served, with Cork City Centre and the area's key attractions and amenities within easy walking distance. The LDA is pleased to be working with an experienced delivery partner in O'Callaghan Properties and excited to be adding to our already significant and growing pipeline of new homes in Cork."

Brian O'Callaghan, Managing Director of O'Callaghan Properties:

"This development is a really positive example of the State and the private sector collaborating to develop much-needed homes. Our partnership with the LDA and Cork City Council not only delivers new housing, it serves as a catalyst for further development in Cork's South Docks.

Cork city is undergoing rapid, transformative change at present with a suite of exciting transportation, infrastructural and recreational strategies being implemented. Our company has been part of Cork's growth and development for over five decades and we are pleased to be involved in the Docklands project which is re-imagining the city in so many wonderful ways."

Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council:

"This is another welcome step in the continued development of Cork Docklands and the delivery of new and affordable homes in the city. Today's announcement is further evidence that the Government's commitment to Cork City Docklands through the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund is bearing fruit. These funding investments are resulting in significant residential and commercial development in the area, with about 7,000 people employed and 800 apartments currently under construction.

Kennedy Quay is a key feature within the wider regeneration of the Docklands, serving to connect the city centre with the South Docks. The light rail connection and the backdrop of a new waterfront will have a dynamic effect on footfall in the area and revitalise it."