Cork Lord Mayor Opens 109 New Homes as City Council Marks Housing Milestone

The Lord Mayor of Cork has officially opened 109 new social and affordable homes across two city housing schemes, delivering a long-awaited new chapter for families across Cork.

Cllr Fergal Dennehy visited the Gairdín Uí Ruacháin social housing scheme in Ballincollig and the Glenmore Heights Affordable Housing Scheme in Lehenaghmore on Tuesday, unveiling plaques to mark the completion of both developments and meeting some of the residents who are already settling in.

The Gairdín Uí Ruacháin estate, built in partnership with Murnane and O'Shea at Carrigrohane at the eastern end of Ballincollig, delivers 64 new homes across a mix of apartment blocks, houses, and bungalows, including specially adapted units. The Glenmore Heights estate in Lehenaghmore, Togher, comprises 45 architect-designed, A2-rated homes, all fully owner-occupied, delivered under Cork City Council's Affordable Purchase Scheme in partnership with OBR Developments Ltd. Situated near the N27 and within walking distance of Togher and Wilton, properties were made available at approximately 20% below open-market value to eligible purchasers.

For many, the keys represent years of waiting. Laura Sheehan had been renting in Blarney before moving to Gairdín Uí Ruacháin with her five-month-old son Niko.

Laura Sheehan: "We've waited over a decade for this home. It's life-changing, it's amazing and such a weight of my shoulders. The community is brilliant, all the neighbours are great and it's just nice to have a new home in such a clean and nice area."

At Glenmore Heights, Shane O'Shaughnessy described the sense of community that has already taken hold on the new estate.

Shane O'Shaughnessy:

"It is incredible to finally say that we have our own home. The development is absolutely fantastic, with incredible views of the city and countryside. There is already a great sense of community in the estate amongst the neighbours. I am grateful to have availed of the Affordable Housing Scheme and would like to thank the City Council and OBR for making the process seamless. We are looking forward to many years in our new home."

The Lord Mayor said the openings reflect the Council's continuing commitment to housing delivery across the city.

Cllr Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork:

"Both of these schemes demonstrate the Council's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality new homes for the people of Cork.

In the coming weeks, we will reach a significant milestone with the handover of our 370th set of keys across our Affordable Housing Schemes, an important achievement for the City Council."

Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, said the programme is making a tangible difference for people right across the city.

"Building new homes like these means more families and individuals can now call Cork City home," she said.

In April, the keys to the 350th Affordable Housing unit were handed over at Glenbride, Kilnap, Old Mallow Road, a significant milestone in the Affordable Housing Programme delivery, with the 370th set of keys due in the coming weeks.

Further Affordable Purchase Scheme developments are planned for 2026 and 2027, including a 155-unit social and affordable housing project in Lehenaghmore, of which 88 homes will be delivered under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. The third phase of the Glenbride, Kilnap scheme is currently open for applications, with strong demand from eligible applicants.