The Land Development Agency (LDA) and IDA Ireland have reached an agreement on the transfer of a 41-hectare site at Kilbarry in Cork City, which has the potential to deliver approximately 1,000 homes.
The land being transferred by IDA Ireland to the LDA forms part of the North Blackpool-Kilbarry Expansion Area, one of the key locations identified to accommodate the growth requirements of Cork City to 2040.
This greenfield site has historically been earmarked for industrial use by IDA Ireland, in line with its core function to enable and deliver property solutions which support balanced regional development for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and indigenous clients of Enterprise Ireland.
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. IDA Ireland facilitated the LDA in identifying the Kilbarry North land as a suitable location for housing development which will complement IDA Ireland’s development lands to the south.
The site lies to the north of Kilbarry Enterprise Park and adjoins Delany Rovers GAA Club. Blackpool Village and Blackpool Shopping Centre are located less than 2km away.
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 proposals will also be informed by the emerging Framework Plan for the area that is being prepared by Cork City Council. 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 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.
"Delivering 1,000 new homes in Cork City is a significant step forward," said Taoiseach Micheál Martin. "It will provide families and individuals with the opportunity to live in modern, sustainable communities close to jobs, schools, and amenities. This will ease housing pressures, support local economic growth and enhance quality of life for people across our city."
