Cahalane Bros Ltd. have completed construction on a new social housing development in County Cork as part of a €1.1 million project.

Fairfield Drive in Masseytown, Macroom was officially opened on Monday 25 February, bringing 14 new affordable homes to the market.

Built on one acre of land, the scheme builds on the original development which was opened 20 years ago, and comprises of seven single-storey units, two three-bed family-type units and five two-bed units.

Designed by Cork County Council's Architects Department, the project adhered to the standards set out in the Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities guidelines. The former greenfield site now accommodates a diverse range of residents in a variety of housing types all with high standards of design.

The scheme used renewable technologies to achieve an A3 BER rating; PV solar panels, gas condensing boilers, a highly insulated building fabric, mechanical extract ventilation and solid fuel stoves. Consideration was also given to the design of the public area including planting, boundary types and on-street parking in order to define and complement the open space provided. Enclosed gardens to the front give private open space while a communal green connects to the existing houses on Fairfield Drive; altogether making for a vibrant community and positive sense of place-making.

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Speaking of the development, Mayor of Cork County, Councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy said: "Fairfield Drive is one of many such housing schemes that Cork County Council is making available to the people of Cork County. This is indicative of the great progress being made in the delivery of high quality housing, throughout the county, to the highest of design standards. I wish the residents of Fairfield Drive every happiness in their new homes."

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, also speaking at the opening, said: "I'm delighted to see Cork County Council's housing programme delivering. These much needed homes, and others throughout the country, are creating new communities and enhancing existing ones. I look forward to seeing this development contribute to the vibrant and welcoming community of Macroom and its surrounding areas."

Meanwhile, Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey highlighted the number of housing projects the Council is currently working on. He commented: "Schemes in Kanturk, Blarney, Mallow and Dripsey are at tender stage while proposed developments in Clonakilty, Ballincollig, Bandon, Douglas, Midleton, Dunmanway, Doneraile, Macroom, Bantry, Mitchelstown  and Courtmacsherry are progressing through the planning process. In addition Cork County Council is the lead authority for Public Private Partnership Bundle Two, which will see the construction of 400 units, in six Local Authority areas, commencing later this year."

(JG/MH)