Cork City Council Commences Construction of 95 New Homes in Glenbride

Cork City Council, in partnership with Murnane & O'Shea Developments Ltd, has commenced construction of 95 mixed tenure homes at Glenbride, Kilnap, Old Mallow Road. The development was officially launched with a traditional 'sod turning' ceremony attended by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, and Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O'Sullivan.

The housing scheme will provide 86 affordable homes for sale through Cork City Council's 'Local Authority Affordable Purchase' scheme, with prices approximately 20% below market value. A further 9 units will be allocated as social housing. The affordable homes will be available to qualifying applicants in the third quarter of this year, with the first occupants expected to move in by early 2026.

This development represents a significant step towards addressing the well-documented housing shortage in Cork. Support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's 'Affordable Housing Fund' has been crucial in making these homes financially accessible to purchasers. The Glenbride project is part of a larger initiative that will ultimately deliver over 520 new homes across various phases in the coming years.

During the same visit, An Taoiseach also officiated at the formal opening of 18 new social housing units at Millfield Cottages, Blackpool. These two-bedroom terraced homes replace properties that had been derelict for over a decade in a prime location near Blackpool Shopping Centre.

The original Millfield Cottages housed workers from the nearby Sunbeam Wolsey Textile plant, which was a major employer in the area from the 19th century until 1995. The compact layout of the housing scheme within this industrial area earned it the nickname "The Village." After being impacted by flooding and increasing dereliction, the cottages were fully vacated in 2013.

Due to extensive damage, preserving the original structures proved impossible. However, project architects Altirí designed the new development to reimagine the original charm and character of the site. The scheme is being managed by Respond Housing on behalf of Cork City Council.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, expressed pride in the new developments, highlighting their contribution to addressing housing shortages and creating sustainable neighbourhoods.

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, remarked on the importance of transforming derelict sites into needed homes and thanked all parties involved in bringing these projects to fruition.

Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, described the Glenbride project as "a pivotal moment for Cork City" that not only addresses housing needs but strengthens the community. She emphasised that Cork City Council prioritises the enhancement of place, communities and quality of life in its housing programme.

Niamh Randall, National Spokesperson for Respond, expressed delight at celebrating the launch of Millfield Cottages alongside their partners in Cork City Council, noting how the development honours the rich history of the original cottages while providing high-quality, sustainable homes for a new generation.