Cork City Council Launches Major New Affordable Housing Scheme at Glenbride

• 38 three-bedroom homes available from €317,000 in prime location just minutes from city centre, with applications opening next month

Cork City Council has unveiled its latest affordable housing development at Glenbride, Kilnap, on the Old Mallow Road, offering 38 three-bedroom semi-detached homes within a stone's throw of Cork City Centre. The scheme represents the ninth affordable housing initiative from the council, bringing the total number of affordable homes delivered across the city to 394 properties.

Located less than 10 minutes from the city centre, the development sits on council-owned lands that previously benefited from Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund works. The site offers excellent transport links with quick access to Cork City, Blackpool, and northbound routes to Blarney, Mallow, and Limerick via the N20.

The A2 energy-rated, architect-designed homes will be available from approximately €317,000 - representing savings of around 20% below open market value for qualified applicants. This marks the second collaboration between Cork City Council and Murnane and O'Shea Ltd, following their successful 70-home development in Heathfield, Ballincollig.

Lord Mayor Dan Boyle said:

"The ninth scheme to launch under the Council's Affordable Housing initiative, this development demonstrates the work Cork City Council is doing to provide high-quality affordable housing for the people of Cork. I want to thank the Housing Directorate within the Council for its continued hard work in delivering these homes, and I look forward to more schemes like this in the future."

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

"Cork City Council is delighted to partner with Murnane and O'Shea Ltd to deliver this latest Affordable Housing development. The Council has been extensively involved in providing the infrastructure required to enable housing construction on this site, and we are now able to offer a major Affordable Housing Scheme on this transformed greenfield site - a prime location on the city's doorstep."

The homes are primarily available to first-time buyers who do not hold an interest in any other property, though exceptions may apply for 'Fresh Start' applicants. Income limits apply, and potential applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with qualification criteria before applying.

Under the scheme's terms, purchasers enter into an Affordable Dwelling Purchase Agreement with the council, which retains a percentage equity share equal to the difference between the home's open market value and the purchase price.

Applications will be accepted between 12 noon on Wednesday, 18th June 2025, and midnight on Wednesday, 9th July 2025, through the online portal at www.glenbride.ie. Given the anticipated high demand based on previous schemes' success, applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare documentation in advance.

The Glenbride development forms part of Cork City Council's broader affordable housing programme, which has previously delivered schemes across Boherboy Road, Tower, Montenotte, Bishopstown, Ballincollig, Whites Cross, Grange, and Lehenaghmore.

For further information, contact affordablehousing@corkcity.ie.