Cork housing: Plans for 500 Dunkettle homes approved despite local opposition

The approved scheme comprised 394 homes, a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom semi-detached and townhouse or terraced units, as well as 156 apartment and duplex units.

Plans for a large-scale residential development comprising 550 new homes on the outskirts of Cork City have been approved, subject to revised conditions, by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

O’Flynn Group got the green light from the city council in April for the first phase of a major new housing scheme on the site near the Dunkettle Interchange that it has owned since 2003.

The approved scheme comprised 394 homes, a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom semi-detached and townhouse or terraced units, as well as 156 apartment and duplex units, featuring one- and two-bedroom units, in 10 blocks ranging in height from two to six storeys.

A creche and neighbourhood centre were also included in the development plans. However, the decision was referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála following several objections from local residents.

Concerns raised included visual intrusions to existing properties, increased traffic, the potential for antisocial behaviour, a negative impact on the quality of life for existing residents and a lack of meaningful community consultation.

However, An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the plans with revised conditions, with details of the decision yet to be published.

O’Flynn Group said the second phase of the proposed development will include 486 new units comprising a mix of semi-detached and terraced houses, duplex and apartment units.