Work starts on 265 affordable homes in the city

Works began today on 265 new social and affordable homes at the former site of a Cork city psychiatric hospital.

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has have started enabling works on the site of the former St Kevin’s Hospital in Shanakiel.

The initial works include the erection of a secure boundary around the site and the demolition of non-protected structures. The works are expected to take a number of months to complete.

The secure boundary will allow the LDA to complete the tender process for the appointment of a main contractor for the delivery of homes to the site, with the first homes available in 2024.

Set on 14 acres in a prominent position overlooking the River Lee, the development will include a mixture of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses, duplexes and apartments.

The St Kevin’s development will have a strong focus on sustainability, with public transport links to the city and to other local amenities. The site also is located close to a number of major employment centres and third level institutions.

Phelim O’Neill, Head of Property at the LDA, said today’s commencement of enabling works will help to bring the site closer to the start of the full construction project.

He said: “The development will regenerate an unused and derelict piece of state land to deliver much needed social and affordable housing for Cork.

“We would like to thank Cork City Council and the HSE for their assistance in progressing the project.”