Mixed Use Development Proposal For Cogan’s Corner in Carrigaline

A planning application has been lodged for a mixed-use residential and commercial development on the prominent site bounded by Kilmoney Road Lower and Church Hill in the heart of Carrigaline. Known locally as Cogan’s Corner, the site has long been a significant landmark within the town. The corner building was occupied and operated by the Cogan family for approximately 40 years before becoming vacant in 2012. Over time, the neglected structure became one of the most visible examples of town centre dereliction in Carrigaline.

In 2025, the site was purchased by a local developer with the aim of revitalising this strategically important town-centre location. Earlier this year, Cork County Council approved the dismantling and removal of the majority of the remaining structures on the site under the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act.

Architects drawing of the proposed Cogan's Corner

Kinsale-based Architect Anthony Hayes was appointed as lead designer and has worked closely with the developer, the council’s Heritage Unit and its Planning Department to develop proposals that balance regeneration, heritage conservation and contemporary design.

The proposed development includes the construction of a new corner building incorporating ground-floor retail units together with first-floor commercial accommodation. The upper floor is intended to operate as a flexible shared office facility and business innovation hub, providing co-working spaces, meeting rooms and communal facilities for local entrepreneurs, remote workers and small businesses.

A key element of the proposal is the restoration and reconstruction of two terraced houses on Church Hill. The scheme incorporates the careful conservation of the surviving historic front and side walls, preserving an important fragment of Carrigaline’s architectural heritage.

According to the architect, the conservation of these structures is one of the most significant aspects of the project: ‘The proposals place a strong emphasis on the restoration and conservation of the remaining historic walls of these artisan-style terrace houses, preserving an important fragment of the historic village of Carrigaline.’

The restored houses will feature traditional sash windows, historic timber doors, lime-rendered walls and cast-iron rainwater goods, ensuring that the development respects and reflects the heritage character of the site in Carrigaline town centre.

Overall, the proposed scheme represents a contemporary reinterpretation of the historic building forms that once occupied the area. The new corner building is designed to re-establish the strong architectural presence that historically marked this important junction, reinstating the built edge, social identity and communal memory associated with the former corner shop.

    The design takes inspiration from the traditional narrow-fronted, two-storey artisan and labourers’ terraces that characterise the historic streetscape of Carrigaline. The corner building acts as a modern “bookend” to the streetscape while responding sensitively to its historic context.

    The proposed co-working and business innovation hub is intended to support enterprise, remote working and economic activity within Carrigaline town centre. Similar initiatives have proven highly successful in towns such as Skibbereen and Kinsale, contributing to local economic growth and community vitality.

     Cllr Úna McCarthy (FG) welcomed the submission of the planning application and the progress being made on the long-vacant site. ‘I have been liaising with the developer on these proposals for a number of months. The regeneration of Cogan’s Corner will represent a significant improvement for Carrigaline town centre, transforming one of the most prominent derelict sites in the town into a vibrant mixed-use development that respects our heritage while supporting future growth.

‘This site has remained vacant for many years and its redevelopment has been a priority for the local community. I am aware that the developer has consulted with neighbouring residents throughout the planning process, and it is encouraging to see proposals that will deliver new homes, commercial space and opportunities for economic activity in the heart of Carrigaline. I look forward to following the planning process and hearing the outcome of the application in due course,’ Cllr McCarthy added.

At the recent meeting of the county council’s Carrigaline Municipal District, Cllr Jack White (FG) said Cogan’s Corner had appeared for many years on its Derelict Sites list so he too welcomed the planning application and thanked the MD and Town Regeneration Office staff for their work on this.