For anyone feeling completely priced out of Cork’s rental market, this could be welcome news.

Cork County Council has announced that applications will soon open for 17 new cost rental homes in Ringaskiddy, offering tenants the chance to rent at prices at least 29 per cent below local market rates.

The homes are located in Warrens Court, Barnahely, a popular residential area just outside the city, and applications will open at 12pm on Monday, June 29th. The development includes a mix of newly built A-rated homes, comprising one two-bedroom bungalow, five two-bedroom mid-terrace houses and 11 three-bedroom terrace and semi-detached houses.

The Cost Rental Scheme is aimed at people who find themselves caught in the increasingly common housing middle ground — earning too much to qualify for social housing but struggling to keep up with soaring private rents.

Successful applicants will benefit from a secure long-term tenancy with rents significantly lower than those available on the open market.

With rental costs continuing to put pressure on many Cork households, demand for the homes is expected to be high when applications open later this month.

Below-market rents

“The development at Warrens Court offers high-quality homes for rent in an exclusive development within walking distance to the village centre.” said the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley.

“These Cost Rental homes are an important part of the Council’s ambitious plans as set out under the Government’s ‘Delivering Home, Building Communities’ national housing plan. By delivering homes at below-market rents, we can support sustainable growth in the community.”

Applications for the scheme will be accepted between 12 noon on June 29th and 12 noon on July 13th, 2026 via the online application portal on Cork County Council’s website, corkcoco.ie.

Houses will be allocated on a lottery basis to applicants who have submitted all the required documentation and who are deemed eligible for the scheme.