Cork city has marked a major milestone in social housing delivery with the sod turned on two transformative projects set to deliver more than 800 new homes.

The Railyard Apartments scheme in the city centre will provide 217 homes, including Ireland’s tallest residential building, while the Creamfields development on the old Kinsale Road will deliver 606 units, making it Respond’s largest development in Cork to date and one of the city’s largest mixed-tenure projects in recent years.

The sod-turning ceremony was attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who praised Cork City Council for its partnership approach to housing delivery.

Cork City Lord Mayor, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said: "This marks an important milestone for Cork as the sod is turned on these two major social housing schemes. These projects, supported by Cork City Council, are about more than bricks and mortar. They are about providing secure, high-quality homes for families who need them most, and it's about regeneration.

"The Railyard Apartments development will not only provide much-needed housing but will also contribute to the regeneration of the Docklands and to the vibrancy of the city centre. The Creamfields development will transform a brownfield site into a vibrant new community. I am proud to see Cork showing leadership and vision when it comes to social housing delivery, and building at scale to deliver sustainable housing solutions that will make a real difference in people’s lives for generations to come."

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Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, added: "The sod-turning ceremonies mark a significant milestone for Cork city centre and for social housing delivery in the city. The Railyard apartments, including 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. It will provide high-quality social 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.

"And the Creamfields scheme will transform a large brownfield site into a new suburban neighbourhood with high-quality homes alongside new social and cultural spaces."

Located on the former Carey's Tool Hire and Sextant site, the Railyard scheme will deliver 217 homes by the end of 2027, including:

• 118 Cost Rental homes at least 25% below market rents

• 77 general needs social homes

• 22 age-friendly social homes

• Ground-floor space for community and Docklands use

The development will feature a landmark 25-storey tower, stepping down to 12 and nine storeys, making it Ireland’s tallest residential building. Works also include renovation of the listed terminus building and Carey House, with plans for a bar/restaurant, a publicly accessible plaza, and refurbished cultural spaces. The scheme is designed by Henry J Lyons with tall building input from Richard Coleman, with PJ Hegarty as main contractors.

The Creamfields site on Kinsale Road, formerly the CMP dairy site, will deliver 606 homes in partnership with Respond, Cork City Council, the Department of Housing, the Housing Finance Agency, and The Housing Agency. Cairn Homes is leading construction.

The development will include:

• 225 social homes

• 381 Cost Rental homes at least 25% below market rents

• Residential courtyards, parkland, commercial units, and a town square anchored by a 15-storey landmark tower

Homes will be delivered in four phases, with the first 112 units expected by Q2 2028, followed by 268, 167, and 59 units in subsequent phases. The social homes will be allocated from Cork City Council’s housing list, while Cost Rental homes will be assigned via lottery.