West Cork Living: Exciting plans to support region's lifestyle amenities
Pairc Thiar in Clonakilty, one of the new housing developments emerging in West Cork.
Cork County Council says it's focused on delivering balanced and sustainable development in West Cork, ensuring that towns, villages and rural communities are equipped with the services and amenities they need to thrive.
It says its objective is to ensure “West Cork remains a dynamic, resilient and attractive place to live, work and visit, while responding to future growth and opportunities.”
In terms of social housing, it has 196 units in the pipeline to be delivered across 12 sites, including Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Bantry, Durrus, Ballydehob, Goleen, Adrigole, Kinsale and Schull.
Meanwhile, the council, in association with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), will oversee a further 53 units for elderly, disability and homeless accommodation at seven sites in Bandon, Skibbereen and Clonakilty.
Some of other planned large-scale schemes include 169 units at Cammogue, Kinsale, which will be predominantly affordable housing.
This will be welcomed by Kinsale people who're finding it hard to compete on the property market with wealthy outsiders.
A council spokesman said it’s actively progressing a large-scale land acquisition programme, with several potential sites under review across West Cork to support future housing delivery.
It’s also examining options to deliver housing on lands in its ownership on islands, including Bere, Sherkin and Hehir as well as Cape Clear (Oileán Chléire). This forms part of wider efforts to support sustainable island communities and population retention.
Much of the planned housing developments will focus on the needs to cater for projected population growth in the region.
The last census in 2022 showed the population of West Cork was 65,597, representing approximately 18% of the county (360,152).
Notably, West Cork’s population exceeds that of several entire local authority areas, including Monaghan, Carlow, Longford and Leitrim.
It’s projected that the West Cork population will grow to 78,142 by 2034 (+19%).
The key town for growth has been earmarked as Clonakilty which will by 2034 have a population of nearly 8,000. That’s followed by Bantry which will climb to more than 4,500 and Skibbereen which will top 4,300. Dunmanway will increase to in excess of 2,550.
Smaller settlements will also see more people living in them, such as Castletownbere which will grow to a projected 1,326 and Schull: 1,043.
Meanwhile, the populations of Bandon and Kinsale will see a combined growth of nearly 6,000 people. The projection for Bandon is to increase to 11,854 by 2034 and Kinsale to 8,120. In total that’s a 5,787 added influx for both towns.
“The proposed County Development Plan variation positions West Cork for steady and balanced growth, aligned with national housing and planning policy. The focus is on strengthening key towns while supporting sustainable development across rural communities,” the council spokesman added.
Infrastructure projects will be needed to ensure the increased population in the region is sustainable.
The council provided updates on a number of projects, especially along the N71 corridor, the main route linking Cork City with West Cork. However, these projects are at early planning and design stages.
One of them is the westward extension of the Bandon bypass, with route options and junction layouts currently under further assessment.
The proposed Bantry bypass is “in early planning/concept stage” and further works required to define a full bypass route and to secure ongoing funding to complete its design.
The need for this bypass is to divert traffic away from Bantry town centre, improving safety, reducing congestion and supporting economic activity.
The council’s also hoping to get funding to start work on designing a bypass for Innishannon, which is a regular bottleneck on the N71.
Progression of all these schemes is dependent on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) approvals and future funding allocations.
The Bantry flood relief scheme, costing €40m, is progressing slowly and the council’s latest update says the plans for it will go for An Coimisiún Pleanála scrutiny towards the end of 2028.
A planning application for the much smaller Ballinhassig flood relief scheme, designed to protect some local properties from the Owenabue river flooding, is expected to be lodged later this year.
Coastal infrastructure improvement projects are also high on the county council’s agenda.
Key projects include the total replacement of the Glengarriff pontoon and the Baltimore fer-ry pontoon, along with repairs to the Cleanderry pontoon and replacement of sections of the pontoon in Courtmacsherry. Such work is essential for the fishing and tourism industries.
Meanwhile, the council’s dedicated coastal unit is advancing plans for larger-scale projects, subject to funding. These include harbour upgrades at Union Hall and Keelbeg pier, estimat-ed to cost up to €6m and Baltimore Harbour Breakwater which is ging to cost around €20m.
In addition, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is funding some coastal protection works in the region, including the installation of rock armour at The Fish Basket, Little Island, Castlefreke, and engaging in ongoing monitoring works at Warren Beach and other coastal areas.
