The approval of 800 social and cost rental homes for construction is a milestone in the provision of social and cost rental housing in Cork City, a Fine Gael TD has said. 

Fine Gael Spokesperson for Cork Deputy Colm Burke said: “I very much welcome that 1,000 residential units were submitted for approval to the Department of Housing. It is extremely positive news that over 800 of these have now been approved. These are the site at Tramore Road-Creamfields/Kinsale Road, which consists of 606 homes, of which 381 are Cost Rental Units and 225 are Social units, with Cork City Council working in partnership with Respond and Railway Yard (The Old Sextant Site) which consist of 217 homes, of which 99 are Social units and 118 are cost rental, with Cork City Council working in partnership with Cluid on this project.

“Another 190 at Loughmahon, are awaiting approval in the coming weeks. This development consists of 99 Cost Rental and 91 Social homes, with Cork City Council working in partnership with Respond.

“In total this would amount to 1,000 new homes. People want the opportunity to live and work in Cork City. These projects will enable those with various housing needs, such as social housing or cost rental to do so.

“Furthermore, it will reduce the pressure on the waiting list for social housing in Cork City. The approval of these projects is a major step forward by Cork City Council in meeting the demands of those who are in need of housing accommodation in the city. I know that construction work can commence immediately as both projects have full planning permission.

“We must now prioritise the construction and delivery of these projects, ensuring people can move in at the earliest possible opportunity. Going forward we must give every support to housing developments such as these which improve our supply.

“Finally, I wish to pay special tribute to the work of all the officials in Cork City Council, the teams in Cluid and Respond, and the developers who have made this possible. It is a testament to what is possible through collaboration at all levels”, concluded Deputy Burke.