Lord Mayor and Taoiseach Mark the Opening of Applications for Horgan’s Quay Apartments, the LDA’s First Cost Rental Homes in Cork
20/10/2026
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited Horgan’s Quay to mark the opening of the Land Development Agency’s (LDA) first Cost Rental applications in Cork.
The first 70 apartments will be prioritised for people working within 5km of Horgan’s Quay.
The development includes 302 homes, comprising 108 one-bedroom and 194 two-bedroom apartments, as well as a creche, shops, offices and the refurbishment of the historic Station Master’s House.
The application process opens, Tuesday 27 October at 12pm, and eligible applicants can apply through the LDA website, with full details here.
Monthly rents for homes start at €1,395 for a one-bedroom and €1,520 for a two-bedroom apartment. The remaining apartments will be made available later this year.
The apartments at Horgan’s Quay are being delivered as part of the LDA’s Project Tosaigh Housebuilder Partnerships initiative, whereby the LDA partners with Housebuilders to forward purchase homes and to accelerate the delivery of homes in high-demand urban areas, including Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford, while supporting sustainable, well-designed communities.
Construction of the residential /commercial block began in 2024 and, when complete, will comprise of 302 apartments, five commercial units, a crèche and two offices including the refurbished historic Station Master’s House which will be let by Lisneys, agents for CIE.
The site is located on the River Lee beside Kent station and within easy walking distance to Patrick Street, Mac Curtain Street and the Quays. The overall development at Horgan’s Quay includes the apartments, a hotel, leisure facilities, shops, restaurants, office blocks, a crèche and public open space.
Heritage buildings such as the Goods Shed, the Carriage Shed and the Station Master’s Building will be restored and adapted to house offices, retail and hospitality units, blending the modernity of a 21st century Cork city, while respecting and honouring its industrial and social history.
The development is part of the Cork Docklands regeneration project, which will transform the riverside location. Upon completion, the Docklands project will deliver new homes for approximately 22,500 residents as well as a range of amenities, leisure facilities and office space.
“I am delighted to see applications open for these new homes at Horgan’s Quay, a landmark development that continues to transform Cork’s docklands and strengthen our city centre as a vibrant place to live and work,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Delivering high-quality, affordable homes in such a well-connected location is vital to ensuring that more people can put down roots in Cork and be part of its continued growth and success. I encourage all eligible applicants to explore this opportunity and take the next step towards home ownership in the heart of our city.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I greatly welcome the significant progress being made by the LDA in delivering much needed homes in the heart of Cork. Horgan’s Quay will provide over 300 new Starter homes, helping more people and families to put down roots and build their futures.
“Delivering high-quality homes at greater pace and scale is our priority. Today’s opening of applications for Horgan’s Quay demonstrates the valued and central role of the LDA in achieving that ambition.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said: "I am determined to urgently accelerate the delivery of homes like these, right across the country. So, I am delighted to be here in Cork to open applications for these high-quality new homes in the heart of the city.
“The Land Development Agency is playing an increasingly important role in Cork and nationwide, and I welcome its ambition and investment as it brings forward more homes for rent and purchase.
“Together with my Government colleagues, I am pulling every lever available, removing barriers and cutting through unnecessary bureaucracy to speed up delivery. Our focus is clear-getting more homes built, more quickly, for individuals, couples and families who need them now."
The Lord Mayor and Taoiseach were joined at the site visit by representatives from the Land Development Agency, Cork City Council, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), and HQ Developments Residential Company Ltd, which is a joint venture between Clarendon Properties (Holdings) Unlimited Company and BAM Contractors Limited.
John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency said: “The LDA is proud to be delivering these homes in Cork. These apartments, which are the first to be completed in the city in nearly two decades, will cater for middle income earners finding it difficult to secure long term rental options in the city centre.
“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. We look forward to its completion next year when new residents can build lives and new communities in the heart of the city.”
Tony Leonard from HQ Developments added: “Horgan’s Quay will regenerate the Cork Docklands area. We are delighted that this partnership with the LDA and CIÉ has progressed to this important milestone. The delivery of new homes in the city centre, supported by the retail and leisure facilities will attract a new generation of residents back into the area.”
Darren Devane, Director of Building, BAM Ireland said: “As the main contractor, BAM is proud to play a central role in the delivery of this development and the overall transformation of Horgan’s Quay and the wider Cork Docklands. 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. We are delighted to be working alongside the LDA, CIÉ, and Clarendon Properties to bring this vision to life.’
Stephen Kent, Group Chief Executive Officer of Córas Iompair Éireann concluded: “CIÉ is proud to partner on this major redevelopment, which further enhances the Cork Docklands offering. Horgan’s Quay, as well as being a new community in its own right, is now a major connectivity hub, with Kent station linking towns across Cork, Munster and the wider rail network. It is an exemplar of Transit Oriented Development and serves as an example of what can be achieved when the State and private sector work together.”