A planning decision is due this week on a major new housing development on State-owned land in Cork that would see almost 350 affordable, social and cost-rental homes built.
In one of its first major forays in the county, the Land Development Agency has sought permission for 348 homes on former ESB lands in Wilton.
First identified for affordable housing in the Government’s Housing for All strategy in 2021, the plans submitted to Cork City Council would provide for 296 cost rental apartments, 16 two-storey affordable townhouses and 36 social housing apartments.
Alongside this, a childcare facility would be built with communal open spaces.
“Wilton faces a severe undersupply of rental properties, despite being a key employment hub with a high concentration of young professionals, smaller households, and a reliance on private rental accommodation,” it said in its planning statement.
“The unit mix is market-driven, policy-compliant, and financially sustainable, addressing Wilton’s acute housing needs while supporting sustainable urban development.”
It said this need is underscored by recent Daft.ie reports suggesting the average rent listed in Cork city has risen to €2,000 per month, which is being driven by a severe shortage of properties available.
When first launching the scheme, the Land Development Agency said that construction could start in early 2026 with the first homes being delivered in late 2028, pending planning approval.
However, it has sought planning permission for seven years across the 2.61-hectare site.
“We submit to the Local Authority that a 7-year planning permission is necessary to accommodate the scale and complexity of the large residential development,” it said.
“This is to ensure sufficient time for construction, infrastructure installation, and compliance with regulatory requirements while addressing potential unforeseen delays which may occur subsequent to obtaining planning permission.”
According to filings on Cork City Council’s planning website, no formal objections were received to the plans although three observations were lodged with the local authority.
Cork City Council is due to issue its decision on the planning bid this Wednesday.
Other major Land Development Agency projects in Cork include sites at Anglesea Terrace and the former St Kevin’s Hospital. In the case of the latter, it has said that 267 homes there are under construction.
Last year, its chief executive John Coleman said that “Cork is very much a priority” for the State agency.
“We think Dublin is largely built out. There may be infill sites available, but the opportunity in Cork, particularly in the docklands, is massive, and one that we anticipate playing a big role in,” he said.