The site, currently owned by ESB, is located at the Sarsfield Road location in Wilton. The LDA has already appointed a design team for the project and plans to submit a planning application for approximately 350 new homes in the first quarter of next year. The development will feature a mix of affordable homes for sale and cost rental apartments. Pending planning approval, construction could begin in early 2026, with the first homes expected to be completed by late 2028.
The land involved is a 2.7 hectare greenfield site, next to the Wilton Shopping Centre and near existing residential neighbourhoods including Cardinal Court and Wilton Court.
The site is located just over four kilometre from Cork city centre, benefiting from excellent existing public transport links along Sarsfield Road. Additionally, new and enhanced pedestrian and cycle connections are planned for the area. It is conveniently situated near the South Ring Road and within a short walking or cycling distance of Cork University Hospital, Munster Technological University, schools, shops and other local amenities.
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The planned development of the site will add to the LDA's ongoing activity in Cork. The Agency is already in the process of delivering 267 homes at the former St Kevin's Hospital site in Shanakiel in Cork city and is developing 302 cost rental apartments at Horgan's Quay in partnership with BAM and Clarendon Properties.
John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA said: "This is another positive development for the LDA as the Agency continues to ramp up the delivery of affordable new homes. We are already under construction at two locations in Cork and we look forward to work starting on this well-located site. This planned development will have the potential to provide much-needed housing and new facilities in a desirable area alongside established communities and close to a range of existing amenities and services.
"The LDA is actively working with state bodies to access state-owned land that has the potential to deliver thousands of homes. I would like to thank the ESB for making this land available and working closely with us to conclude its transfer. There is an opportunity for state bodies to create a lasting legacy by making land available and that is certainly true in this instance."
Paddy Hayes, ESB Chief Executive stated: "We are very pleased that this ESB land at our Sarsfield Road site will make an important contribution to the development of much needed housing. We would like to thank the LDA for working with us and we look forward to seeing construction get underway on what promises to be an excellent development."
As part of the planning process for the land, the LDA plans to conduct extensive public consultation and will release framework and vision documents to support this process before submitting any planning application.
