The Land Development Agency (LDA) and O'Callaghan Properties have unveiled plans for 103 new homes in Cork’s South Docks, advancing a key element of the wider Cork Docklands regeneration.

Set on Kennedy Quay beside the River Lee, the scheme is intended to spur further renewal across the immediate and surrounding area. The project comprises 45 one-bedroom, 42 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom apartments, all designed to A-rated energy standards.

Work is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks, with a construction programme of approximately 27 months. On that timeline, the first residents could move into the new riverside homes by the end of 2028.

The location sits next to the former Odlums flour mill and is within walking distance of the proposed LUAS Cork route, Kent Station, the Marina Promenade and Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Delivery is via the LDA's Project Tosaigh homebuilder partnership initiative, under which the Agency collaborates with private developers to provide the financial impetus needed to build and complete new homes. This is the first Project Tosaigh collaboration between the LDA and O'Callaghan Properties, one of Ireland’s largest privately owned development firms.

Beyond the LDA homes, O'Callaghan Properties intends to reshape the Kennedy Quay area into a sustainable, mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood, including commercial and retail space alongside further residential units. The company also plans to conserve and bring the landmark Odlums mill back into use. Originally built around 1892 as a granary, the building once housed offices, storage and an operational mill. External facades are to be retained, and features of architectural and industrial heritage have been carefully salvaged for potential reuse internally and externally in future phases, with further details to be announced in the coming months.

-- Advertisement --

This housing scheme marks the opening phase of Kennedy Quay's regeneration and adds to the LDA’s growing Cork pipeline. Across the River Lee at Horgan’s Quay, the Agency, BAM and Clarendon Properties are nearing completion of 302 apartments. In the South Docks at Marina Depot, the LDA is partnering with Glenveagh on 337 homes now under construction. Elsewhere in the city, 267 homes are being delivered at the former St Kevin’s Hospital site in Shanakiel, while planning permission has been secured for 345 homes on former ESB lands in Wilton and 147 homes at Anglesea Terrace in Cork City Centre, the latter in partnership with Cork City Council.

Two strategic sites have also been transferred to the LDA: a Kilbarry site with capacity for about 1,000 homes from IDA Ireland, and a South Docks site with potential for 300 homes from BnM.

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency said: "This is a very welcome partnership between the LDA and O’Callaghan Properties and we look forward to delivering a great place for people to live in a fantastic part of Cork. The 103 homes are being developed in a prime location in Cork’s South Docks and the project will serve as a key component in the wider and ongoing transformation of the Cork Docklands, which the LDA is actively involved in. All the homes will be A-Rated and well-served, with Cork City Centre and the area's key attractions and amenities within easy walking distance. The LDA is pleased to be working with an experienced delivery partner in O’Callaghan Properties and excited to be adding to our already significant and growing pipeline of new homes in Cork."

Brian O'Callaghan, Managing Director of O'Callaghan Properties said: "This development is a really positive example of the State and the private sector collaborating to develop much-needed homes. Our partnership with the LDA and Cork City Council not only delivers new housing, it serves as a catalyst for further development in Cork’s South Docks.

"Cork city is undergoing rapid, transformative change at present with a suite of exciting transportation, infrastructural and recreational strategies being implemented. Our company has been part of Cork's growth and development for over five decades and we are pleased to be involved in the Docklands project which is re-imagining the city in so many wonderful ways."