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, creating the potential for the delivery of approximately 1,000 new homes.

The land forms part of the North Blackpool–Kilbarry Expansion Area, one of the key locations identified to meet Cork City's growth requirements through to 2040. Formerly earmarked for industrial use, the greenfield site has been rezoned for residential development and public open space under the Cork City Development Plan 2022–2028 following a strategic review.

IDA Ireland worked with the LDA to identify Kilbarry North as a suitable housing location, complementing IDA development lands to the south. The site is located north of Kilbarry Enterprise Park and adjacent to Delany Rovers GAA Club, with Blackpool Village and Blackpool Shopping Centre less than 2km away.

The LDA has appointed a design team for the project and plans to begin a comprehensive public consultation process on early proposals before submitting any planning application. The scheme will also be informed by Cork City Council’s emerging Framework Plan for the wider area.

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Future residents are expected to benefit from major planned infrastructure projects, including the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Route, which will pass through the site, and the proposed Blackpool-Kilbarry Rail Station to the south. The development will provide a mix of housing tenures, alongside other uses and public open space, with a planning application targeted for 2027, subject to the Framework Plan.

The Kilbarry project will add to the LDA's growing pipeline of housing developments in Cork, which includes 267 homes at the former St Kevin's Hospital in Shanakiel, 302 cost-rental apartments at Horgan's Quay, 345 homes on former ESB lands in Wilton and a further 147 homes proposed at Anglesea Terrace in partnership with Cork City Council.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. said: "Delivering 1,000 new homes in Cork City is a significant step forward. 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.

"Addressing Ireland's housing challenges requires a whole-of-State approach, every agency and stakeholder must work together to ensure everyone has access to a home. So, I commend the collaborative approach taken by the IDA and LDA in reaching this agreement. Their commitment to working together on the transfer of the 41-hectare Kilbarry site is a powerful example of how partnership can drive progress."