Plans for 300 new homes in Douglas lodged with Cork City Council

Bridgewater Homes is seeking to build 210 houses and 90 apartments on land at Castletreasure

The construction giant has written to City Hall seeking planning permission for 210 houses, 90 apartments and a creche for 100 children

Plans for an ambitious housing scheme on the outskirts of Douglas Village spanning 300 dwellings have been lodged by Cork developers Bridgewater Homes.

The construction giant has written to City Hall seeking planning permission for 210 houses, 90 apartments and a creche for 100 children on lands at Casteletreasure, named Donnybrook Manor.

The more than 200 homes would comprise a mix of two-, three- and four-bed units spread across detached, semi-detached and townhouse units, the developer said, while the almost 100 apartments would consist of one- and two-bedroom units. These would be located across two blocks ranging between two and six storeys. 

The proposed development fronts onto Donnybrook Hill, which is around two kilometres southwest of Douglas Village. 

The area has experienced significant growth in recent years due to the 24 acres of zoned land that came on the market in 2024. Valued at up to €7m, the area is set to deliver more than 1,000 homes. The proposed plans, if granted, would be located near the Bayly site for 472 homes on 52 acres, developed by Cairn Homes, as well as 580 houses and apartments by Murnane & O’Shea.

The proposed residential scheme also involves a pedestrian bridge crossing to connect to the Ballybrack Valley pedestrian and cycling route, a pedestrian connection to the Bayly residential development to the north, vehicular and pedestrian connectivity to the adjoining lands to the south and to the Carleton residential development to the east.

It also seeks local road and footpath developments on Donnybrook Hill.

'Diverse' homes

Bridgewater said the development seeks to provide a diverse range of housing options to accommodate residents at different life stages, with inclusion of one-bedroom units addressing demand from single-person households, couples, and those seeking to right-size. At the same time, the provision of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes caters to a variety of family sizes and household compositions, the developer said. 

It added that the different house types in the scheme will incorporate different architectural forms, densities, and material finishes, creating a varied and unique streetscape.

"The proposed development will result in the creation of a sustainable and attractive residential neighbourhood which will provide quality homes that are suitable for a range of housing needs with an appropriate housing mix and density in place," said McCutcheon Halley planning consultants on behalf of the developer. 

"The proposal will create a living environment that promotes the concept of ‘neighbourhood’ and promotes a sense of community.

Cork City Council is due to decide on the scheme by September 14, 2026.