O'Flynn Group gets green light for major development of 550 homes in Cork

Proposed scheme near Dunkettle includes 394 homes, 156 apartment and duplex units, a creche and neighbourhood centre

The proposed large-scale residential development near the Dunkettle Interchange.

A planning application for more than 500 new homes on the outskirts of Cork has been given the green light by City Hall, paving the way for the first phase of a major new housing scheme to the east of the city.

O’Flynn Group lodged the plans in November for the 550-home development on the site near the Dunkettle Interchange it has owned since 2003.

On the planning application, the location is listed as to the north of Dunkettle House, which is just south-east of Glanmire.

The proposed scheme includes 394 homes in a mix of two-, three- and four-bed semi-detached and townhouse or terraced units, 156 apartment and duplex units, in a mix of one- and two-bed units in 10 blocks ranging in height from two to six storeys.

A creche and neighbourhood centre were also proposed.

At time the application was lodged, O’Flynn Group indicated this was just the first phase of a larger development, with plans being advanced for a further application for 500 more homes on the site.

Developer Michael O’Flynn said Monday: “This approval marks a major step forward in realising our long-held vision for Dunkettle. We are pleased to now have the opportunity to bring much-needed homes to an area that has long been recognised as a key urban expansion area of Glanmire for growth, while also delivering high-quality community amenities and infrastructure improvements.

“The strategic location of the Dunkettle site provides excellent access to major transport links, enhancing connectivity to Cork City and surrounding areas. We are proud of our track record in delivering high-quality residential developments and look forward to bringing this same standard of modern housing to life in Dunkettle.” 

Mr O’Flynn said a “key feature” of the Dunkettle development was the inclusion of extensive community open spaces, carefully designed to promote social interaction and wellbeing.

It said the project also included plans to extend the active travel network in Glanmire and Tivoli, enhancing connectivity to vital local amenities such as the greenway and cycleway, and supporting more sustainable modes of transport.

Previous attempts to build in the area failed despite the Dunkettle lands identified as a key area for potential growth.

An Bord Pleanála rejected two separate planning applications from the O'Flynn Group in 2004 and 2005, despite approval from Cork County Council at a time when it was within the jurisdiction of the county, citing concerns around an inadequate road network in the area at the time.

However, once the Dunkettle interchange project was complete, the firm reactivated its residential plans for the site.

The planning application for the 550 homes received multiple submissions, with locals raising concerns about the development, with the impact on traffic and issues around public transport cited.

“The infrastructure in the area has not been developed to facilitate a development of this nature, including roads and public transport,” one wrote, adding additional traffic would cause further congestion and delays.

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Despite these concerns, Cork City Council has granted planning permission for the development, with 63 conditions attached.

O’Flynn Group added the site would complement the now-substantially completed nearby Ballinglanna development.

Once completed, it said Ballinglanna would provide more than 610 homes, including a mix of detached and semi-detached houses, townhouses, duplexes, apartments, and a village centre.