Cork apartment development approved for Blackrock Villas under Croí Cónaithe scheme

The largest private-sector apartment development in Cork city in over a decade will consist of 274 owner-occupier apartments 

The Blackrock apartments will be built on the grounds of the former Ursuline Convent in Cork.

The largest private-sector apartment development in Cork city in over a decade has been approved for delivery under a Government-led viability scheme.

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien confirmed on Friday that 274 owner-occupier apartments, a mix of one-, two-, and three-bed units at Blackrock Villas, proposed by Glenveagh, have been approved under the Croí Cónaithe Cities Scheme.

The scheme aims to bridge the current “viability gap” between the cost of building apartments and the market sale price, where the cost of building is greater. It is targeted mainly at activating planning permissions already in place for such homes.

The Blackrock apartments, which will be built on the grounds of the former Ursuline Convent, are the third housing project to be approved under Croí Cónaithe nationally and the second in Cork.

Contracts have already been signed for the delivery of 53 owner-occupier apartments for sale on the open market in Dublin 18 by Park Developments, and for 68 owner-occupier one- and two-bed apartments at Castletreasure, Maryborough, in Cork, by Cairn Homes.

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien confirmed approval for 274 owner-occupier apartments proposed by Glenveagh. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Mr O’Brien made the latest announcement before he addressed a Cork Chamber event, which was attended by representatives of some of the leading employers in the region, where the population is set to grow by between 50% and 60% by 2040, and housing delivery was among the main topics discussed.

Chamber CEO Conor Healy said the availability of property to rent or buy is a key issue for its members.

“Housing is a top priority for our business community. Availability of property to rent or buy is proving to be a challenge for the region’s employers, and the minister’s contribution today was invaluable,” he said.

He said key housing indicators — planning permissions, commencements, completions, and mortgage drawdowns — are trending upwards but added: “This of course is very welcome, but we are not complacent.

As it stands our population is growing faster than anticipated. Government support for delivery of housing to enhance the attractiveness of our city region is essential.

Glenveagh has planning for 1,000 apartments on the former Ford distribution site. Picture: Larry Cummins

 Mr O’Brien said the Croí Cónaithe-supported schemes in Cork are “just the start” of private sector apartment building in the city, and he said the Land Development Agency is actively involved in examining sites in the city’s docklands, where Glenveagh has planning for 1,000 apartments on the former Ford distribution site.

“This is a real opportunity for paused planning permissions to be activated. And there will be announcements for Cork soon,” he said.

“For people who want to live in the city and buy in the city, because of us stepping in and intervening, we can make sure that those homes are bought at an affordable rate and the apartment schemes start.

“We have massive potential on the quays, and that will be realised.”