Huge boost for Cork's homeless

Cork Simon will take a “giant leap” this week with hopes of doubling its residential capacity on Leeside with a new 78 unit development in the city.

The homeless service confirmed that it will lodge a planning application for the large-scale development at a site between Alfred Street and Railway Street.

The proposed development will comprise 29 large studio apartments, 43 one-bed units and six two-bed units.

The overall development will involve the construction of two blocks, one with eight stories facing onto Alfred Street and the other with ten stories facing onto Railway Street.

Speaking to the Cork Independent, Campaigns and Communications Manager for Cork Simon, Paul Sheehan said excitement levels are high and that the organisation is now very focused on the planning process.

“It will make a huge transformation to the way we work and the way homelessness is addressed in Cork, as well as having a huge positive impact on the numbers of people depending on homeless services,” said Mr Sheehan.

He said a lot of work has gone into the application and that reaction to the proposed development has been positive so far.

“We want people to be aware of what we're doing so that we can address any concerns they might have. Some people do have legitimate concerns,” he added.

Cork Simon, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, currently has just over 70 residential units in Cork.

“Our housing stock is nowhere near where we'd like it to be and this development will add to it considerably. It's pertinent that we should be going down this road and it’s a giant leap into housing for us,” said Mr Sheehan.

He added that he has seen a number of artist’s impressions of the final structures and that the new buildings will “look fabulous”.

A number of the residents who will occupy the apartments will have been homelessness, with others having never been homeless but with an urgent need for housing.

The proposed Railway Street development aligns with Cork Simon’s focus on creating a permanent solution to the homelessness crisis.

The charity’s long term goal is to offer people affordable housing at the earliest possible opportunity and without unnecessary barriers, together with any necessary support in line with a tenant’s wishes and needs.

Cork Simon has also announced that it has taken over the management of South East Simon which covers five counties in the south east of Ireland.