IDA hands over 41-hectare Kilbarry site with potential for major Cork housing development

The 41-hectare Kilbarry site has been rezoned for housing and could deliver a major new community by 2027

The 41-hectare IDA site in Cork City to be transferred to the Land Development Agency (LDA).

IDA Ireland is to transfer a 41-hectare site on Cork's northside to the Land Development Agency (LDA) for the development of housing.

The agency said the site at Kilbarry has the potential for up to 1,000 homes.

This greenfield site has historically been earmarked for industrial use; however, following a review as part of the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, the site is now zoned for residential use, public open space and has been identified for long-term strategic development. 

The site lies to the north of Kilbarry Enterprise Park and adjoins Delany Rovers GAA Club.

The LDA has already appointed a design team for the project and intends to undertake a comprehensive public consultation process on emerging proposals, in advance of any planning application.

The new homes will benefit from planned transformational infrastructure projects including the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route, which will traverse the site and Blackpool-Kilbarry Rail Station further to the south, off Dublin Hill.

The lands will adjoin the proposed Cork northern distributor road.

The plans will include a range of housing tenures, alongside a mix of other uses and public open space. Subject to the emerging Framework Plan, a planning application is targeted for 2027.

The planned development of the site will add to the LDA’s ongoing activity in Cork. The Agency is already in the process of delivering 267 homes at the former St Kevin’s Hospital site in Shanakiel in Cork City and is developing 302 cost rental apartments at Horgan’s Quay in partnership with BAM and Clarendon Properties. The LDA recently received planning permission for 345 homes on former ESB lands in Wilton and lodged a planning application for a further 147 new homes at Anglesea Terrace in Cork City Centre as part of a partnership with Cork City Council.

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA said they intend to consult extensively with stakeholders and the public before submitting a planning application, which they aim to have completed by 2027. 

"I would like to thank IDA Ireland for working with us on this land transfer. The LDA relies on state bodies to facilitate the transfer of state-owned sites and by engaging with us, agencies like IDA Ireland, are making a significant contribution to ensuring a steady and reliable supply of much-needed new housing and to the LDA’s mission of creating sustainable and thriving new communities.” 

He added: “The LDA has now secured a number of state-owned sites in Cork for housing including the former St Kevin’s Hospital in Shanakiel and land transferred by the ESB in Wilton. We are also advancing similar sites across the country such as Barracksfield West in Naas in Kildare, which was transferred by the Housing Agency, a site in Kinsealy in Dublin, transferred by Teagasc, another in Leopardstown in Dublin 18 transferred by Horse Racing Ireland, and sites in Celbridge in Kildare and in Lissenhall in north Dublin, transferred to the LDA by Nama.” 

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: “We are pleased to have supported the transfer of this site in Kilbarry to the LDA and we are delighted that its potential for housing can now be advanced. The site has been zoned for residential use and has been identified for long-term strategic development. It is also due to be served by key infrastructure projects, so there is a compelling case for it to be used for housing.