Cork City Council Hands Over 350th Affordable Home as Final Phase of Glenbride Launches in Kilnap

The 350th home was delivered under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS) at Glenbride, Kilnap, a new development of 86 energy efficient A-rated homes built across three phases on lands acquired and developed by Cork City Council. The estate offers a mix of three-bed semi-detached, three-bed end of terrace, and two-bed mid-terrace properties, and was built in partnership between Cork City Council and Murnane and O'Shea Ltd.

The milestone coincides with the launch today, 8 May 2026, of the third and final phase at Glenbride, with a further 24 homes on offer under the LAAPS.

Cork City Council has now delivered 449 new homes across 10 LAAPS developments, including Glenmore Heights, Lehenaghmore in Togher, Danesfort in Whites Cross, Newton Heights in Mayfield, Seaberry in Grange, and Heathfield in Ballincollig.

Under the Government's 'Housing For All' plan, the city council had a target of delivering 378 affordable homes by the end of 2026. That target has already been exceeded, with 449 affordable homes offered for sale to date and sales completed on 350 of those properties. With further home sales due to close over the coming months, Cork City Council has delivered 92% of its Affordable Homes target for the period 2022 to 2026 and is on track to exceed the target set.

More LAAPS homes are planned in 2026 and 2027, including a 155 unit social and affordable housing scheme in Lehenaghmore, where 88 homes will be sold under the LAAPS, with more schemes to be announced.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy:

"This scheme will deliver high-quality homes for families in Cork, building on the work that the City Council has already done, and continues to do, to provide homes for the people of Cork. Each set of keys handed over represents safety and security for families, reflecting the strong collaboration between the Council and key stakeholders to continue building homes across our city. I want to congratulate the family on receiving the keys to their new home. Having already exceeded our Housing for All 2026 target, I also want to pay tribute to the Council staff who continue to work tirelessly to deliver these homes."

Brian Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive of Cork City Council:

"Reaching the milestone of handing over the 350th set of keys under Cork City Council's Affordable Housing Scheme is something we are immensely proud of. It is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to delivering affordable homes that make a real and lasting difference in people's lives. We are proud to be exceeding the ambitious targets set for us by Government, and we remain firmly focused on continuing this momentum.

Cork City Council is actively expanding opportunities to deliver affordable housing in prime locations across the city, so that even more individuals and families can benefit from the security and stability that an affordable home provides. This work is vitally important, and today's milestone is a reminder of the positive impact that well-planned, well-delivered housing can have on the people and communities we serve".

Under the terms of the LAAPS, Cork City Council provides eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase a newly-built home at a price lower than its open market value. In return, the 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.

For example, a 20% reduction means Cork City Council takes a 20% equity share in the home. Homeowners can choose to repay some, or all, of the equity share at any time following the acquisition of the property.

The third and final phase of Glenbride offers a selection of two and three-bedroom properties, with prices starting from €270,500. Two-bedroom homes are being offered with a minimum price of €270,500 and three-bedroom homes at a minimum price of €299,000. As with previous phases, significant interest is anticipated in this popular development.

Income limits apply, and potential applicants are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the qualification criteria and required documentation, details of which are available at www.corkcity.ie. Demand is expected to exceed the number of available homes.

For further information, contact affordablehousing@corkcity.ie.