Cork City Council Celebrates 300th Affordable Home Handover

Cork City Council has marked a significant housing milestone by handing over the keys to its 300th affordable home, just in time for Christmas, whilst exceeding its 2026 target two years ahead of schedule.

The latest property, located at Glenmore Heights in Lehenaghmore, Togher, forms part of a new development of energy efficient A-rated homes built in partnership with OBR Group under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS).

Cork City Council was a pioneer nationally in delivering affordable homes under the LAAPS, building the first scheme of its kind in the country at Boherboy Road in Lotamore, Mayfield. The City Council has since delivered hundreds of new affordable homes across 10 LAAPS developments, including sites in Togher, Whites Cross, Mayfield, Grange, Ballincollig and Killeens.

Homes built under the LAAPS are offered to qualifying first-time buyers at approximately 20% below the open market value, with the local authority taking an equity stake in the property equal to the discount provided.

Under the Government's Housing For All plan, the City Council had a target of delivering 378 affordable homes by 2026. That target has already been exceeded, with 402 affordable homes either sold or nearing completion. Sales have been completed on 300 properties, with dozens more about to complete.

A further 10 purchasers are due to receive their keys before the end of the year, with another 60 purchasers expected to move into their new affordable homes by March 2026.

More LAAPS homes are planned for 2026 and 2027, including a 155 unit social housing scheme in Lehenaghmore where 88 will be sold under the LAAPS, as well as 48 at Glenbride on the Old Mallow Road.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said the handing over of the keys to the 300th LAAPS home highlights the city council's commitment to supporting eligible first-time and Fresh Start buyers.

"Each set of keys allows a family to put down roots, to gain security, stability, and the opportunity to thrive in a place they can truly call home. This milestone reflects the hard work, collaboration, and vision that have driven our housing delivery mission forward. But there is still work to do and we remain focused on housing delivery, to ensure that affordable housing is not just a goal, but a reality for generations to come."

Brian Geaney, the Assistant Chief Executive of Cork City Council, also welcomed the housing milestone.

"Reaching the milestone of 300 purchasers of an affordable home is a proud moment for Cork City Council and it reflects our commitment to delivering affordable housing solutions that make a real difference in people's lives. We were early movers in the affordable housing space, delivering the first affordable housing estate in the country at Boherboy Road in Mayfield. Exceeding our Housing for All 2026 target, which we always regarded as a minimum number, shows the strength of our housing programme and the dedication of our teams."

Under the terms of the LAAPS, Cork City Council provides access to affordable homes by offering eligible applicants the chance to purchase a newly-built home at a price lower than its open market value. In return, the city council retains a percentage equity share in the home equal to the difference between the open market value and the reduced price paid by the purchaser. Homeowners can choose to repay some, or all, of the equity share at any time following their acquisition of the property.

Cork City Council is launching Phase 2 of the Glenbride scheme today, 19 December, and will take applications from 27 January 2026. The second phase consists of 23 affordable homes, offering a selection of two and three-bedroom properties.

Glenbride is the second affordable housing scheme developed by Cork City Council in partnership with Murnane and O'Shea Ltd, following their scheme of 70 homes in Heathfield, Ballincollig.

Income limits apply, and potential applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with the qualification criteria and required documentation. Details are available at www.glenbride.ie. For further information, contact affordablehousing@corkcity.ie.