Taoiseach turns sod on 95-unit social and affordable scheme, and opens 18 new social homes

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has turned the sod on 95 social and affordable homes on the northside of Cork city, and officially opened 18 new social homes.

Mr Martin, accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, and chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, marked the commencement of construction of 95 mixed-tenure homes at Glenbride, Kilnap, Old Mallow Road.

The housing scheme, constructed by Murnane & O’Shea Developments Ltd in partnership with Cork City Council, will provide 86 affordable homes for sale via Cork City Council’s Local Authority Affordable Purchase scheme, as well as a further nine homes for social housing.

The affordable homes will sell at approximately 20% below market value, to those who qualify for the Affordable Housing scheme, with sale prices partly subsidised through the Department of Housing’s Affordable Housing Fund.

Cork City Council intends to launch 86 affordable homes for sale later this year, with the first homes being handed over to successful applicants in early 2026.

Mr Martin also visited Millfield Cottages in Blackpool to officiate at the formal opening of 18 new social housing two-bedroom terraced homes, which had been derelict for over a decade.

The cottages which were originally built on the site housed workers from the nearby Sunbeam Wolsey Textile plant, which was a major employer in the area from the 19th century until its closure in 1995, and it its peak employed thousands.

Those cottages were demolished in recent years following extensive flood damage.

Mr Martin said the 18 new homes at Millfield Cottages were a great example of how derelict sites could be transformed into much needed homes.

“In addition, the 95 mixed tenure homes starting construction in Glenbride will meet the needs of many families in this city. I want to thank Respond, Cork City Council and all those involved in bringing these projects to life,” he said.

Mr Dan Boyle said the collaboration between Cork City Council and Murnane & O’Shea showed the council’s commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive neighbourhoods.

“We look forward to seeing these homes bring new opportunities and stability for many families in Cork,” he said.

Valerie O'Sullivan, chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan said the Glenbride, Kilnap housing project not only addressed the need for affordable and social housing but also strengthened the local community by providing quality homes for families. 

"The partnership with Murnane & O’ Shea Developments Ltd and the vital of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage demonstrate our shared dedication to delivering sustainable growth and communities," she said. National spokesperson for approved housing body Respond, Niamh Randall, said the launch of Millfield Cottages honoured the history of the original Millfield Cottages while delivering high-quality, sustainable homes for a new generation. 

"We are pleased to welcome families to a place that holds so much meaning to the local community here in Blackpool and we hope that the families living there now will be very happy in their new homes. 

"We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the City Council to deliver more homes here over the next number of years," she said.