Plans for almost 550 homes in Ballincollig face appeal over traffic and social concerns

Local residents have appealed plans for a major Cork development, citing traffic, school pressures, and social concerns for families

Developers Murnane and O'Shea Limited have sought a ten-year planning permission for a large-scale residential development spanning 544 homes at Greenfield in Ballincollig.

Plans for nearly 550 homes in Cork targeting younger families and first-time buyers have been appealed to the planning commission by local residents.

Developers Murnane and O'Shea received approval from Cork City Council for the ambitious development at Greenfield in Ballincollig in December, authorising plans for 544 homes.

The proposed development includes the demolition of an existing home and farmyard to make way for the large mixed-use residential scheme.

The scheme comprises 232 homes, 312 apartments, a two-storey creche facility, and a commercial/retail unit.

Of the 232 homes, 100 are four-bedroom detached or semi-detached homes, 124 are three-bedroom semi-detached or townhouse homes, and the remaining eight are two-bedroom townhouse units.

Of the 312 apartments, 80 would be one-bedroom units distributed across 28 buildings, ranging from three to four storeys in height.

The developers said the housing mix reflects market demand and addresses a shortage of new three- and four-bedroom family homes in the Ballincollig area. They added that the primary target occupiers would be young families and first-time buyers in the private housing market.

The development was approved despite almost 50 submissions, including from councillors, a TD, and a residents’ group, raising concerns about the size of the development, lack of school and healthcare services, traffic congestion, and potential social problems.

Fine Gael TD Gareth Kelleher wrote to the council highlighting residents' concerns regarding the height and proximity of part of the development to a nearby road, while also raising traffic concerns and calling for the timely delivery of the Maglin relief road.

Fianna Fáil councillor Colm Kelleher raised several issues, calling some of the proposed apartments "too large and visually dominant." 

He also highlighted pressures on school and healthcare services.

Independent councillor Albert Deasy objected, stating the development had left residents "in a state of distress," saying the scheme was at odds with the existing environment. 

He described the congestion and traffic as "outrageous" and opposed the construction of duplex units, citing concerns they could "engendering social problems."

Submissions were also received from city councillors Joe Lynch, Terry Coleman, Ciara O'Connor, and Gary O'Brien.

Despite the objections, the council approved the plans, granting permission subject to 59 conditions.

The plans have now been appealed to An Bord Pleanála by several residents, including the Greenfields Concerned Group, with the decision date yet to be announced.