Sod Officially Turned on 217 New Homes in Cork City

Averil Power, Chief Executive at Clúid, welcomed Micheál Martin TD, An Taoiseach, Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy,James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Valerie O’Sullivan, Cork City Council Chief Executive, to officially turn the first sod on The Railyard Apartments, a new social and affordable housing development in the heart of Cork city.

The Railyard Apartments, which will be the tallest residential building in Ireland, will deliver 217 new homes in Cork’s Docklands by the end of 2027. The development will consist of a mix of studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. These include 118 Cost Rental homes with rents at least 25% below the market average, 77 general needs social homes and 22 age-friendly social homes for individuals and families on Cork City Council’s housing list.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, “I am delighted to be here and formally turn the sod on The Railyard Apartments, a new affordable homes scheme in the heart of Cork city. The delivery of new homes continues to be an absolute priority of government this year and in the years ahead. This is an example of true partnership in Cork between Cork City Council, Clúid Housing and JCD Group and it is resulting in 217 new homes in the city.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD. said, “Under our new Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, we have pledged to build 300,000 new homes by 2030. So, mixed tenure developments such as this one, backed by over €44m funding from my Department are vital to achieving these ambitious targets.

“But it’s not just about numbers, it’s about each new dwelling providing a secure home for individuals and families where they can put down roots and thrive.”

Averil Power, CEO of Clúid added, “Clúid is delighted to be partnering with Cork City Council and JCD to deliver these fabulous new homes in our largest scheme in the city. Clúid has a long history of working closely with Cork City Council to deliver homes for those in housing need, and we already have 860 social and Cost Rental homes across the city. The Railyard development will allow over 200 individuals and families, who would likely otherwise be priced out of the area, to create a home in this new community in the heart of the city. They will be able to put down roots and take advantage of all the economic, educational, cultural and community opportunities Cork City has to offer.”

Valerie O’Sullivan, the Chief Executive of Cork City Council said: “The sod-turning at Railyard Apartments marks a significant milestone for Cork city centre and for social housing delivery in the city.

“This ambitious residential development in what will become Ireland’s tallest residential building shows what can be achieved when ambitious and dynamic local authorities work in partnership with equally ambitious partners. This scheme, once complete, will provide high-quality homes alongside new social and cultural spaces at the gateway to the city’s Docklands, and all within walking distance of the city centre’s many attractions. The residents who will live here will, in just a few short months, bring new life, vibrancy and energy to the city centre.”