This would be an ideal location for many Cork families.

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has published draft plans for 350 new affordable homes at its newly acquired site in Wilton, Cork.

The Agency and ESB reached agreement on the transfer of the land on Sarsfield Road in August this year, with the planning application set to be lodged in early 2025.

The proposed development will include 154 one-bed apartments, 180 two-bed apartments and 16 three-bed townhouses, as well as a creche, landscaped open spaces and new pedestrian and cycle greenway links. According to the developers, the homes will be a mix of cost rental and affordable purchase, the latter delivered through the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.

Just over 4km from Cork city centre, with great transport links, the site is next to Wilton Shopping Centre and only a short walk or cycle from Cork University Hospital, Munster Technological University, schools, shops and other local services.

“We are pleased to be moving to the next stage of the process to deliver these much-needed affordable homes in Cork.” said Phelim O’Neill, Head of Property at the Land Development Agency.

“The draft plans outline our vision for this development– with connectivity, sustainability and affordability at its core.

“The LDA is acutely aware of the importance of meaningful community engagement and wants to ensure that local people have an opportunity to meet with us and contribute to the design process to deliver a housing development that caters for families, first time buyers and older people in a key Cork suburb”.

Subject to planning approval, construction could start in early 2026, with the first homes being delivered in late 2028.

The LDA is encouraging local residents, businesses and community groups to contribute to this initial consultation process, to help inform and shape the proposals. A development brochure has been created, which outlines the initial design plan, and a public drop-in clinic will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd from 2pm – 7pm in the SMA Wilton Parish Community Centre, Sarsfield Road, Wilton, Co Cork.