Taoiseach and Lord Mayor 'Turn the Sod' on 95 Homes and Officially Open another 18
02/05/2025
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle and Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, oversaw commencement of construction of 95 mixed tenure homes at Glenbride, Kilnap, Old Mallow Road, with a traditional ‘sod turning’ ceremony.
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 ‘Local Authority Affordable Purchase’ scheme and a further 9 homes as social housing.
The affordable homes will be available for sale, circa 20% below open market value, to those who qualify for the Affordable Housing Scheme, with sale prices, in part subsidised via the innovative, Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage ‘Affordable Housing Fund’. Cork City Council will be launching 86 affordable homes for sale in the third quarter of this year, with the first homes being handed over to successful applicants in early 2026.
The shortage of housing in Cork and across the country is well documented and this development will provide homes for many families in the heart of a great community on the Cork’s northside. The support of the Taoiseach, Minister, and the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, has been invaluable in the delivery of this project, which will ultimately deliver over 520 new homes in various phases in the coming years.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also visited the historic scheme at Millfield Cottages, Blackpool to officiate at the formal opening of 18 new social housing two-bedroom terraced homes which had been derelict for over a decade in a prime location in Blackpool, close to Blackpool Shopping Centre.
These cottages were originally built to house workers from the nearby Sunbeam Wolsey Textile plant, a major employer in the area from the 19th century until its closure in 1995. At its peak, Sunbeam Wolsey, the textiles mill company, employed thousands. And this housing scheme with its compact layout, at the heart of what was a growing industrial space in the northside, earned the cul-de-sac the affectionate nickname “The Village”. In recent years, Millfield Cottages were impacted by flooding and increasing dereliction and were finally fully vacated in 2013. Sadly, extensive damage to the properties made their preservation impossible. The new Millfield Cottages is a reimagining of the original charm and character of the site through the thoughtful and respectful design of project architects, Altirí Architects. The scheme is delivered in partnership with Respond Housing who are managing the development on Cork City Council’s behalf.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle said:
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to ‘turn the sod’ on this new mixed tenure housing development at Glenbride, Kilnap, Old Mallow Road, which will provide a further 87 affordable homes for sale to eligible purchasers and 8 social housing properties. The commencement of construction at Glenbride, Kilnap is a significant milestone for Cork City. This development will provide much-needed affordable and social housing, helping to address the housing shortage and support our vibrant community. The collaboration between Cork City Council and Murnane & O’Shea Development Ltd along with the essential funding from the Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage, showcases our commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive neighbourhoods. We look forward to seeing these homes bring new opportunities and stability for many families in Cork
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said:
“I am delighted to visit these very important developments providing social and affordable homes in the heart of Cork. It Is a pleasure to officially open the new homes at Millfield Cottages in Blackpool, a great example of how we can transform derelict sites 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".
Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan said:
“The initiation of the Glenbride, Kilnap housing project marks a pivotal moment for Cork City. This development not only addresses the pressing need for affordable and social housing but also strengthens our community by providing quality homes for families. The partnership with Murnane & O’ Shea Developments Ltd and the vital support of the Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage demonstrate our shared dedication to delivering sustainable growth and communities. The involvement of Respond Housing in the Millfield Cottages development ensures that those who live there will benefit from comprehensive support and services. Cork City Council has the enhancement of place, communities and quality of life at the heart of its housing programme. It is wonderful for our brilliant Housing Team to witness the positive impact of their work on the lives of people who will reside here for years to come”.
National Spokesperson for Respond, Niamh Randall said:
“Respond is delighted to celebrate the launch of Millfield Cottages today alongside our partners in Cork City Council. This development honours the rich 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."