Cork-based Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath T.D., accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Kieran McCarthy, and Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty, today turned the sod on commencement of construction of 45 affordable homes at Glenmore Heights, Lehenaghmore.
The affordable housing scheme, being constructed by OBR Construction in partnership with Cork City Council, will provide 45 homes for sale via the Cork City Council ‘Local Authority Affordable Purchase’ scheme and consists of a mix of three and two-bedroom houses, with delivery scheduled for early 2025.
The homes will be made available for sale, circa 20% below open market value, to those who qualify for the Affordable Housing Scheme, with sales prices, in part, subsidised via the innovative, Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage ‘Affordable Housing Fund’. The scheme will be advertised for applications in early autumn of 2024.
Minister Michael McGrath also visited a further affordable housing scheme of 70 two and three-bedroom homes at Heathfield, Carriginarra, Ballincollig which is currently under construction. The affordable scheme is developed by Murnane & O’Shea Group and is fully subscribed to with the first purchasers due to receive keys in the coming weeks.
Both schemes were procured through Cork City Council’s award winning “Competitive Dialogue” procurement process – a process which has been pioneered by Cork City Council in its social and affordable housing delivery programme which delivers significant and innovative residential developments.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Kieran McCarthy said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to ‘turn the sod’ on this new affordable housing development at Glenmore Heights, Lehenaghmore, which will provide a further 45 affordable homes for sale to eligible purchasers.
Hopefully, on completion, these affordable homes will provide a solid foundation for purchasers from which they can contribute to and enhance further, a sustainable and vibrant community in Lehenaghmore.”
In addition, I was delighted to visit the Showhouse at Heathfield, Carriginarra, Ballincollig, Cork, a further affordable development providing 70 two and three-bedroom family homes, where, for Phase 1, keys will soon be in the hands of purchasers.
It was an ideal opportunity to walk through and absorb the quality and high standard of affordable homes being offered by Cork City Council and their development partners for sale to eligible applicants in Cork City.
The delivery of both affordable and social homes is a key priority for Cork City Council and I wish OBR Construction and MOS Group every success with their respective affordable developments and commend all who contribute to bringing such developments to fruition.
Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath said: “Housing is a top priority for Government. Under Housing for All, we have committed unprecedented levels of State investment of over €5 billion per annum and this will grow further in the years ahead.
These two fantastic projects will deliver 115 new affordable homes for people and families in ideal locations for employment and other services. The development of these two projects serves to highlight just what Local Authorities can achieve in the provision of affordable homes by working closely with the Department of Housing.
I want to pay tribute to all those in Cork City Council who have worked on these important projects and I look forward to seeing them progress in the months and years ahead.”
Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty said: “Both housing schemes visited today demonstrate Cork City Council’s strong affordable housing delivery programme, under Housing for All. Housing is at the very forefront of Cork City Council’s objectives and will remain so for the coming years. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all involved and assure people Cork City Council will continue to lead the way in the delivery of more affordable homes, with several schemes set to launch throughout 2024”.
