Lord Mayor of Cork officially opens 97 new homes and turns the sod on a further 12

25/04/2025

The Lord Mayor of Cork officiated at formal opening ceremonies this morning to mark the delivery of 109 new homes across three schemes in Cork City.

Accompanied by Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City City Council, the itinerary began at Duggan Heights where the Lord Mayor, Cllr Dan Boyle opened 54 social homes on the Old Mallow Road in Blackpool.

The Duggan Heights development contains a mix of four one-bedroom, 25 two-bedroom, 23 three-bedroom and two four-bedroom homes. The scheme was delivered by Murnane and O’Shea Limited and Denis O’Sullivan & Associates as lead consultants through Cork City Council’s Competitive Dialogue process. This process has been pioneered by Cork City Council in its social and affordable housing delivery programme and has delivered significant and innovative residential developments.

The Duggans Height site was formerly occupied by Bolands Mill while the scheme is named after the Duggan Sisters: Sarah, Peg, Annie and Brigid – all of whom were active during the War of Independence. The scheme is owned and managed by Cork City Council. The scheme provides an excellent example of an ‘urban infill development’ on lands zoned for residential development in the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028. The scheme is supported by Cork City Council and is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH).

The Lord Mayor then travelled to Farranlea Road; turning the sod on the construction of 12 new homes. The scheme will comprise a mix of five one-bedroom unts and seven two-bedroom units. The scheme is being developed by Cetti Limited. Located in close proximity to Western Road and various public transport options, people living in this development will be approximately 20 minutes walk from the city centre.

The Lord Mayor concluded the morning’s ceremonies at Hartland’s Square, Denroches Cross, where he formally opened 43 new apartments. The scheme was developed by Cetti Building contractors Ltd. The design efficiently maximises the usability of the site and provides the best possible orientation for the apartments. The apartments incorporate a highly efficient air to water heating system and achieve an A Building Energy Rating. The scheme was delivered in partnership with Tuath Housing, who manage the development on Cork City Council’s behalf.

The Lord Mayor said: “I would like to express my pride in officially opening and breaking ground on three distinctive developments which will add 109 new social homes for the people of Cork. I commend Cork City Council for employing a variety of strategies to achieve housing delivery, emphasizing it is a key priority. I would like to acknowledge the significant ongoing efforts of everyone involved in housing delivery. I hope these new properties will provide security and comfort to their new tenants and encourages them to actively participate in their new communities”.

Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan said “the three developments showcase the innovative design solutions that Cork City Council employs to deliver our housing programme”.

“We take particular pride in our team’s ability to develop schemes on brownfield sites, providing homes for people close to public transport links and existing community and commercial facilities. I would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Brian Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive and the housing team in City Hall, as well as the contractors, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and everyone involved. Without their efforts these schemes would not be possible. I wish those who will live here many years of happiness in their new homes,” she added.

Martin Loughran, Tuath's Chief Commercial and Development Officer added: "The new homes at Hartland's Square, Denroches Cross, demonstrate what can be achieved through public, private and voluntary sector collaboration. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Council to provide secure, quality housing to the people of Cork."