Cork Approves 823 New Homes Including Ireland's Tallest Residential Building

Cork City Council has given the green light to two landmark housing developments that will deliver 823 new homes, including what will become Ireland's tallest residential building at 24 storeys on Albert Quay.

The ambitious Railyard Apartments and Creamfields projects, approved with Department of Housing backing, represent a significant step forward in addressing Cork's housing crisis whilst reshaping the city's skyline. The developments will provide a mix of social, cost-rental and private homes across two strategic locations.

The Railyard Apartments, to be delivered by JCD Developments for Clúid Housing, will transform the former Sextant Pub site into a striking 217-home development. The scheme features a slender 24-storey tower that will become Ireland's tallest residential building, stepping down to twelve and then nine floors. Ground floor space will be dedicated to community and arts use, reinforcing the development's role as the "Gateway to the Docklands."

Construction of The Railyard Apartments is set to begin in September 2025 with an estimated completion date of September 2027. The mixed-tenure development will include rightsizing homes specifically designed for older residents, alongside accommodation targeting Cork's young workforce. Its location adjacent to all major transport hubs makes it particularly attractive for city centre living.

Brian Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive of Cork City Council, said: 

"We are really excited about The Railyard Apartments 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."

Geaney, who guided the project through the Council's award-winning Competitive Dialogue procurement approach which he pioneered, thanked his team led by Alison O'Rourke, Director of Housing, along with the Elected Members and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage for their support.

The second development, Creamfields on Tramore Road, represents the largest collaboration to date between Cork City Council and Respond Housing. Cairn Homes Plc will deliver approximately 606 new homes in partnership with Respond Housing and Dairygold, with facilitation from the Council's Housing Directorate.

Geaney added:

"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."

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, expressed his enthusiasm: 

"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."

The combined 823 units will significantly boost Cork's housing delivery pipeline as the city responds to rapid population growth. The Council has already exceeded its housing targets for the 2022-2024 period, and these developments signal continued momentum in addressing the housing shortage.

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."

The developments mark a new chapter for Cork's urban landscape, with The Railyard Apartments beginning construction next September. For a city that's been crying out for housing solutions, these 823 homes represent more than just bricks and mortar; they're the foundation of Cork's ambitious future.