Planning permission has been given by An Bord Pleanála for the construction of more than 319 dwellings in northside Cork city, on a parcel of land owned by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The GAA acquired the 14.80 hectare site during the 1960s, which has since been designated as residential for housing purposes.
The proposed housing development is situated adjoining the Old Whitechurch Road, in Kilbarry, and will accommodate 319 homes alongside a childcare facility. The proposed residences will be a mix of 85 semi-detached houses, 118 terrace houses, 53 duplex units, and 63 flats.
The development site sits next to public land, owned by the Land Development Authority (LDA), and there is potential for additional strategic construction here in the future.
Although the asking price for the property hasn’t been revealed, proceeds from its sale will contribute towards the more than €30 million debt of the Cork County GAA board, which they acquired from the refurbishment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Kevin O’Donovan, Cork County GAA board chairman, praised the fast-tracking process of An Bord Pleanála’s strategic housing development, which allows large-scale projects to move swiftly to the board. He stated that they would now study the decision in detail, with the aim to expedite the sale as early as possible.
O’Donovan voiced his concerns about the well-reported housing shortage in Cork and throughout Ireland and.
The development plot is located adjacent to the old Whitechurch Road to the west, the Cork North Business Park to the south, Delaney’s GAA Club grounds to the east, and it is bounded by the Glenamought river to its north. The construction plan also incorporates a riverside park, which will benefit future occupants and those residing in adjacent areas.