Cork County Council Advances Social and Affordable Housing Projects
Cork County Council is making significant strides in addressing the housing shortage with the development of two major social and affordable housing projects, set to deliver a total of 151 new homes across the county. The Crann Ard development in Fermoy and the Cluain Ard development in Cobh are key initiatives in this effort.
The Crann Ard development in Fermoy comprises 48 social housing units, featuring a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties. These homes will be made available for letting in phases starting later this year and continuing into 2025. Meanwhile, the Cluain Ard development in Cobh includes 103 units, with 54 designated as social housing and 49 as affordable homes. This development, featuring two and three-bedroom properties, is expected to be completed by this summer.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, expressed his enthusiasm for the projects, stating, “Cork County Council, in partnership with the developers, looks forward to progressing these projects over the coming months to help address the shortage of high-quality new homes available. I am delighted to see works recommence in Fermoy and I look forward to seeing the development progress over the coming months. I also look forward to residents moving into these turnkey properties in the near future.”
The Crann Ard scheme in Fermoy aims to complete an unfinished estate and is being developed in collaboration with Cooleeney Developments Ltd and Cork County Council. This project will also include the construction of essential infrastructure to facilitate future development on the adjoining 18 acres of zoned land. Additionally, an associated company, VB Developments Ltd, is set to lodge planning permission for 300 homes through the Large Residential Development (LRD) process, further contributing to social and affordable housing in Fermoy.
Similarly, the Cluain Ard scheme in Cobh will complete another unfinished estate, developed in partnership with Sirio Homes and Cork County Council. The 49 affordable homes in this project are being sold to approved purchasers, with each sale subsidised by €75,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund under the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ plan.
The on-site infrastructure in Cobh has been delivered by the Housing Infrastructure Services Company (HISCo), a joint venture between Cork County Council and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF). HISCo was established to support the development of new homes across Ireland. Niall Morrissey, CEO of HISCo, highlighted the importance of this project, saying, “This project builds on our successful projects that are ongoing across the country and augurs well for our plans to deliver similar supporting infrastructure for new homes across Ireland. The project would not be possible without our shareholders, Cork County Council and ISIF, for having the foresight and courage to establish HISCo; the HISCo Board and the professional advisors that have brought us this far. HISCo provides an innovative solution to the provision of both on-site and off-site infrastructure that is hindering the delivery of residential development throughout Ireland. The unique aspect of HISCo’s Model is that the fee is calculated on a per unit basis and is only payable as each unit is sold or first leased.”
Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to housing development, stating, “Cork County Council is committed to delivering social and affordable housing throughout the county. The progression of these new homes in Cobh and Fermoy is a key part of our Housing Delivery Action Plan, which sets ambitious targets for the delivery of housing during the five-year period between 2022 and 2026. These developments build on recently completed schemes in Carrigaline, Bandon, Macroom, Doneraile, Courtmacsherry, and Mallow.”
The ongoing efforts in Fermoy and Cobh are part of a broader strategy by Cork County Council to address the housing crisis and provide high-quality homes for its residents. The completion of these projects will not only provide much-needed housing but also stimulate local economies and enhance community infrastructure.
