‘North Cork cannot afford to wait another 25 years’: Councillors demand action on housing delays

Councillors warn water and sewerage capacity shortages are preventing housing developments and threatening the future of rural communities across Cork

The move follows concerns raised by Fianna Fáil councillor Frank O’Flynn, who said private developers were ready to build homes in north-east Cork but were unable to proceed because of UÉ’s infrastructure deficiencies. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Cork County Council senior officials are seeking an urgent meeting with Uisce Éireann (UÉ) over water and wastewater infrastructure deficiencies that are holding up housing developments, with more than 520 homes in north-east Cork unable to proceed to construction despite having planning permission.

The council’s Strategic Projects Section and Planning Policy Unit have requested a meeting with senior UÉ officials to discuss water and sewerage capacity shortfalls across the county, amid growing concern that the problems could delay thousands of new homes.

Senior council officials said they would emphasise to the utility “the importance and need for these upgrades as a matter of urgency”.

The meeting is expected to take place by the end of this month or in early November and will focus on infrastructure deficiencies across the county.

The move follows concerns raised by Fianna Fáil councillor Frank O’Flynn, who said private developers were ready to build homes in north-east Cork but were unable to proceed because of UÉ’s infrastructure deficiencies.

“Young people who were born, reared and attended school in these areas now find they can’t build houses because in particular due to lack of sewerage capacity in their own localities,” Mr O’Flynn said.

He said plans were in place for 200 homes in Mitchelstown, while development in Glanworth was stalled, despite planning permission having been granted for 31 houses immediately and a further 80 afterwards.

Another 80 homes are held up in Conna, with a similar number in Castletownroche and 50 in Glenville.

“How long more will people have to wait and if something is not done about this a full generation if not two will have to leave these villages which will be detrimental to the local communities,” Mr O’Flynn said.

Councillors warn of impact on rural communities

Independent councillor William O’Leary said the Government had made much of its proposals earlier this year to facilitate developer-led wastewater treatment systems.

“But announcements alone will not build houses. We need to see these measures translated into workable arrangements and actual developments on the ground. In Glenville, there’s been virtually no new housing development for 25 years. School enrolments are under pressure, local clubs are struggling for numbers, and young families are being denied the opportunity to settle in the communities where they grew up,” Mr O’Leary said.

He said he welcomed councillors from across the political spectrum raising the issue, but particularly encouraged those affiliated with Government parties to use the political channels available to them.

“There is little point in all of us expressing frustration in the council chamber if that frustration is not being carried directly into the offices of the ministers who can influence investment decisions,” Mr O’Leary said.

“Rural Ireland can’t survive on government press releases, and North Cork cannot afford to wait another 25 years. We need investment, we need delivery, and above all, we need diggers on the ground,” he added.

Aontú councillor Peter O’Donoghue, who works in construction, said the council would soon rezone more land for housing under its new County Development Plan, but there was little point in doing so unless UÉ addressed the infrastructure shortfalls.

Mayor of County Cork and Fianna Fáil councillor Bernard Moynihan said entire rural communities were being stymied by UÉ’s lack of action. He also questioned how the utility’s chief executive had received a recent salary increase of €118,000.