More than 100 run-down Cork flats to be demolished for redevelopment

Residents have been told that the council would prefer to temporarily re-home the tenants to facilitate the demolition of the flats

Mould and water damage from leaks in the bathroom of a flat at Noonan's Road, Cork, earlier this year. Picture: Denis Minihane

Several blocks of ageing flats in Cork city, where residents have complained about appalling living conditions, have been earmarked for demolition and regeneration, subject to funding.

It follows a concerted campaign by the residents of the flats at Noonan’s Road, Dean St, St Finbarr’s Road, and Fort St, to secure action and improvements.

It led to several meetings in recent months, and an on-site visit by senior city officials last July after which residents were told a decision on a way forward would be made within a few months. Refurbishment and retrofitting options were previously ruled out given the poor state of the flats’ structures.

Now, the residents of the complexes — totaling 114 units which are home to people aged from one to over 80 — have been told by Cork City Council that it considers redevelopment as the preferred option for each of the sites. The council issued letters to residents on Thursday outlining its preferred option.

Residents have been told that the council would prefer to temporarily re-home the residents to facilitate the demolition of the flats, and then redevelop the sites and offer homes there to any residents who would like to stay in the area.

They were told that any redevelopment will involve consultation and discussion with them, a detailed design process and the approval of central government funding. Residents have been invited to share their views on the future planning and design of their areas.

A tenant pointing to a hole in the woodwork where mice go in and out in a flat at Noonan's Road, Cork, earlier this year. Picture: Denis Minihane

They have also been assured that because the process will take some time, no one needs to move out of their home in the short-term, and ongoing maintenance issues will be addressed by the council.

Independent local city councillor and former Lord Mayor Mick Finn cautiously welcomed the news. “This is a huge opportunity: we need to make it a reality,” he said.

“Since being elected to council in 2009, renovation or replacement of these flat complexes has been one of my main asks and though it’s taken a long, long time to get to this point, I think it could be the start of a new beginning for the residents — even if it’s going to take several years to get activated and completed.” 

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He said demolition and redevelopment will obviously be a complex and costly process that will require significant capital investment and the provision of alternative accommodation options. But he said such a large project has massive potential for this historic area of the city.

“It will have to be done in phases and unlike other regeneration projects ongoing in the city, could actually lead to increased numbers of units across the sites rather than just replacing what’s there,” he said.

“There is also potential to provide specialist housing for older people, for the disabled, affordable and cost-rental options as well as open spaces and community buildings.”