More than 800 social and cost rental homes have been approved for construction in Cork City, marking a significant step in addressing the city's housing needs.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, Colm Burke, described the decision as "extremely positive news," highlighting that 1,000 residential units had been submitted for approval to the Department of Housing, with the majority now cleared to proceed.

The largest of the approved projects is on the Tramore Road–Creamfields/Kinsale Road site, where 606 homes will be built. This development will include 381 cost rental units and 225 social units, delivered in partnership between Cork City Council and the housing body Respond.

A second approved scheme, at Railway Yard (The Old Sextant Site), will deliver 217 homes, including 118 cost rental and 99 social units, in collaboration with Clúid Housing.

In addition, a further 190 homes at Loughmahon are awaiting departmental approval in the coming weeks. That project, also involving Cork City Council and Respond, is planned to comprise 99 cost rental units and 91 social homes.

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If approved, the combined developments would bring the total to 1,000 new homes for the city.

According to Deputy Burke, the new projects will help people with a variety of housing needs. "People want the opportunity to live and work in Cork City. These projects will enable those with various housing needs, such as social housing or cost rental, to do so," he said.

He also noted that the additional housing will "reduce the pressure on the waiting list for social housing in Cork City" and described the approvals as "a major step forward" in meeting the accommodation demands of the area.

Both the Tramore Road–Creamfields/Kinsale Road and Railway Yard projects have full planning permission, which means construction can begin immediately. Burke emphasised the importance of delivering the homes without delay. "We must now prioritise the construction and delivery of these projects, ensuring people can move in at the earliest possible opportunity," he said.

The Fine Gael spokesperson also called for continued backing for similar developments to expand housing supply in the city. "Going forward we must give every support to housing developments such as these which improve our supply," he added.

Burke concluded by acknowledging the role of those involved in making the projects possible. "I wish to pay special tribute to the work of all the officials in Cork City Council, the teams in Clúid and Respond, and the developers who have made this possible. It is a testament to what is possible through collaboration at all levels," he said.

The developments are expected to play a key role in meeting Cork's growing demand for affordable housing, offering a mix of cost rental and social homes in prime city locations.