The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, Marks the Delivery of 109 New Homes across two Schemes in Cork City
16/06/2026
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, wished the owners well in their new homes as he marked the official opening of 109 new homes in two local authority housing schemes on Tuesday.
The Lord Mayor visited the Glenmore Heights Affordable Housing Scheme in Lehenaghmore and the Gairdín Uí Ruacháin social housing scheme in Ballincollig to unveil plaques marking the completion of both schemes, and to meet some of the residents.
Among those he met at Gairdín Uí Ruacháin were Anne Harrington, and her dog Winnie.
“It’s absolutely lovely here. I moved in February last year, and the house is beautiful, the neighbourhood is very quiet, and everybody is very happy, and I’m just delighted to have a house here,” Anne said.
Laura Sheehan, who lives there with her five-month-old son, Niko, had been renting in Blarney before moving to Gairdín Uí Ruacháin.
“We’ve waited over a decade for this home. It’s life-changing, it’s amazing and such a weight of my shoulders. The community is brilliant, all the neighbours are great and it’s just nice to have a new home in such a clean and nice area,” she said.
Her neighbours, Nida Siddiqui and husband Naveed Hussain, who live nearby with their son, Zoha, who turns four on Wednesday, said they are delighted with their new home.
“We are so happy and glad to have this home and we would like to thank the City Council for this home. Life is really good,” Nida said.
Naveed said: “The houses are so nice and bright, and this is a really nice place for young children and families and the houses are so nice. We are so happy.”
The Gairdín Uí Ruacháin estate was built in partnership with Murnane and O’Shea, at Carrigrohane, at the eastern end of the town.
The new high-quality social housing development features 64 new homes comprising 12 apartments in six two storey blocks, 16 two-bed terraced and semi-detached two-storey houses, eight two-bed one-storey bungalows, one two-bed (specially adapted) one-storey bungalow, 24 three-bed terraced and semi-detached two-storey houses, one three-bed (specially adapted) one-storey bungalow and two four-bed semi-detached two-storey houses.
The Glenmore Heights estate in Lehenaghmore, Togher, comprises 45 architect‑designed, A2‑rated homes, all of which are now fully owner‑occupied.
Delivered under Cork City Council’s Affordable Purchase Scheme, in partnership with OBR Developments Ltd, the development includes 24 three‑bedroom semi‑detached homes, 11 three‑bedroom mid‑terrace homes, two two‑bedroom end‑of‑terrace homes and eight two‑bedroom mid‑terrace homes
Situated near the N27 and within walking distance of Togher and Wilton, the homes were made available at approximately 20% below open‑market value to eligible purchasers.
Shane O’Shaughnessy, a resident of Glenmore Heights, said: “It is incredible to finally say that we have our own home.
“The development is absolutely fantastic, with incredible views of the city and countryside.
“There is already a great sense of community in the estate amongst the neighbours.
“I am grateful to have availed of the Affordable Housing Scheme and would like to thank the City Council and OBR for making the process seamless.
“We are looking forward to many years in our new home.”
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said: “Both of these schemes demonstrate the Council’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality new homes for the people of Cork.
"In the coming weeks, we will reach a significant milestone with the handover of our 370th set of keys across our Affordable Housing Schemes, an important achievement for the City Council.
"Developments such as these play a vital role in increasing the supply of affordable homes, providing long-term security and stability for families across the city.
"The Glenmore Heights scheme is particularly notable within Togher, Lehenaghmore, highlighting the Council’s continued investment in areas which came within its remit following the 2019 city boundary extension.
"This area is currently undergoing substantial transformation as part of the Lehenaghmore Road Improvement Scheme, further enhancing its attractiveness as a place to live.
"The new development at Glenmore Heights, which will be home to 45 families, reflects the City Council’s focus on delivering well-designed, high-quality housing across the city.”
The Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, welcomed the delivery of more than 100 new social and affordable homes in Cork City.
"Building new homes like these means more families and individuals can now call Cork City home,” the Chief Executive said.
“We reached a milestone in April when we presented the keys to the 350th purchaser of a home in one of our affordable housing schemes and we are working hard to ensure the delivery of hundreds more social and affordable homes right across the city.
“These new homes make a real difference in people’s lives. And I wish all the new homeowners many years of happiness in their new homes.
“I also want to congratulate everyone involved in the delivery and construction of these homes.
“It shows the strength of our housing programme and the dedication of our teams.
“But it’s not just about building homes – it’s about delivering the supporting infrastructure that is needed to help communities grow sustainably.
“And you can see that quite plainly in and around Lehenaghmore where Cork City Council is overseeing major road, footpath and sustainable transport improvements to make this an even better place in which to live.”
In April, the keys to the 350th Affordable Housing unit were handed over at Glenbride, Kilnap, Old Mallow Road — a significant milestone in the Affordable Housing Programme delivery.
In the coming weeks, the City Council will hand over the 370th set of keys under the scheme.
Further Affordable Purchase Scheme developments are planned for 2026 and 2027, including a 155‑unit social and affordable housing project in Lehenaghmore, of which 88 homes will be delivered under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.
The third phase of the popular Glenbride, Kilnap scheme is currently open for applications, with strong demand from eligible applicants.