Plan To Develop 40 Social Housing Units in Kinsale Writes Leo McMahon
For the first time in over ten years, Cork County Council, in partnership with Cluid, is to develop 40 social housing units at Cappagh, Ballinacubby, Kinsale. Members of Bandon-Kinsale Municipal District (MD) at their meeting last week, enthusiastically endorsed the ‘Part 8’ planning report from the divisional manager recommending to the MD its go-ahead ahead of formal approval by the full council at its meeting next Monday. All going well, it’s possible construction could start later this year and be completed by the end of 2018. As outlined by senior executive officer Seamus de Faoite, the scheme will comprise 18 two storey two-bed and 20 two storey three-bed houses and two single storey two-bed special needs dwellings. There will be realignment and improvement of the site entrance off Abbey View, widening of the road serving the nearby Saile Sports and Leisure Centre, landscaping and other works. Following advertisement in The Carrigdhoun and Irish Examiner, 11 submissions were received, mainly from residents in the Cappagh area, some with concerns about traffic, light, boundaries and other issues. A report from Cluid, a not-for-profit housing association, pointed out permission was granted in 2007 for a much larger scheme on the 20 acre site but it didn’t progress. The proposed one was on 5.3 acres at its south-east corner, not far from Haven Bay Care Centre, Saile, Kinsale Community School and other housing developments and conformed with the county development plan. Mr. de Faoite said the submissions were considered in detail and, circulating a report responding to these and the views of MD members, said two two storey houses had been alternated with a single storey unit on the site and there was revised treatment of the eastern boundary. In conclusion, he recommended the development proceed. Cllr Gillian Coughlan (FF) welcomed the scheme and commended senior engineer Keith Jones and other officials for the intense discussions with neighbours and the local community to achieve a sustainable development. ‘Everything that could be done has been done and now it’s important that it proceeds’. Cllr James O’Donovan (FG) said it was a very good project as did Cllr Aidan Lombard (FG). Cllr Rachel McCarthy (SF) said additional social housing in Kinsale was greatly needed, pointing out that there were 130 expressions of interest in one council dwelling that recently became available. Cathaoirleach Kevin Murphy (FG) said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ to see the Part 8 report adding ‘it’s about time for Kinsale in one of the finest sites in South Cork.’ He thanked all involved. Mr. de Faoite said there were currently 289 approved applicants for social housing in Kinsale and this scheme, the first investment by the council’s housing department in over a decade, would at least help alleviate the pressure. Cluid, which would manage the properties, already had a strong profile with over 900 units in Co Cork.