Over 300 Affordable Apartments Reach Major Milestone at Horgan's Quay

A topping out ceremony today marks significant progress on 302 affordable apartments being delivered beside Kent station, with the first residents expected to move into the city centre development in late 2026.

Minister for Housing James Browne joined representatives from the Land Development Agency, HQ Developments, Cork City Council, and CIÉ at Horgan's Quay this morning to celebrate the construction milestone for the riverside development.

The scheme will deliver 194 two-bedroom and 108 one-bedroom apartments, alongside commercial units, a crèche, and the refurbished Station Master's Building. Located on the River Lee with easy access to Patrick Street, Mac Curtain Street and the city's quays, the development forms a key part of the ambitious Cork Docklands regeneration project.

Heritage buildings including the Goods Shed and Carriage Shed have been restored to house offices, retail and hospitality units, blending modern Cork with its industrial past.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "I welcome the great progress on this essential development in the heart of our city, which will deliver over 300 much-needed affordable homes. This Government's top priority, and mine, is to get quality homes built faster for people who need them."

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said:

"I am determined to unlock the delivery of homes like these at pace and at scale across the country. We are in a housing crisis, and I am pulling every lever available and cutting through unnecessary red tape to get things moving far faster, so that we can deliver homes for people and their families to grow up and grow old in."

The development is progressing on schedule, with construction of the A-rated apartments set to complete in the second half of 2026.

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency said:

"This is an exciting development for the LDA, and it is wonderful to see such great progress being made to deliver these high quality, A-rated apartments. This is an important milestone for the LDA's targeted delivery in Cork city, which also includes Marina Depot, St. Kevin's in Shanakiel, and Anglesea Terrace."

The wider Cork Docklands project will transform the riverside area, with capacity to deliver homes for approximately 22,500 residents alongside amenities, leisure facilities and office space.

Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive, Cork City Council said:

"The transformation of Cork's Docklands is pivotal to our city's evolution, with capacity to deliver homes for 22,500 people at a riverside location with great access to public transport. It is exciting to see the progress at Horgan's Quay, as a result of Government investment and the brilliant team at Cork City Council."

The six-acre brownfield site is being developed through a partnership between the Land Development Agency and HQ Developments Residential Company Ltd, which is owned jointly by Clarendon Properties and BAM.

Darren Devane, Director of Building, BAM Ireland said:

"This development is not just about delivering high-quality, sustainable homes, it's about creating a vibrant, connected community in the heart of the city. Our long-standing commitment to the regeneration of this area reflects our belief in Cork's future as a thriving, inclusive urban centre."

The overall Horgan's Quay development also includes a hotel, leisure facilities, shops, restaurants and office blocks. The Dean hotel and one office block are already operational, with a second office block partially completed.

Fiona O'Shea, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Córas Iompair Éireann concluded:

"CIÉ is proud to be a partner on this landmark project, which will continue the revitalisation of the Cork Docklands into the bustling hive of activity it once was, for the needs of today's Ireland. The location next to Kent Station and within walking distance to the city centre will be very attractive for people who want to live and work in Cork."