CCC CDP 2022-2028 2 Year Progress Report

August 2024

Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

CONTENTS

Introduction

Core Strategy Planning & Delivery

Strategic Objective 1 Compact Liveable Growth

Strategic Objective 2 Delivering Homes & Communities

Strategic Objective 3 Transport & Mobility Strategic Objective 4 Climate & Environment Strategic Objective 5 Green & Blue Infrastructure, Open Space & Biodiversity Strategic Objective 6 Economy & Employment

103

Strategic Objective 7 Heritage, Arts & Culture

115

Strategic Objective 8 Environmental Infrastructure

123

Strategic Objective 9

131

Placemaking & Managing Development Key Growth Areas & Neighbourhood Development Sites Appendix 1 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Interim Monitoring Report

148

Appendix 2 Development Plan Objectives Appendix 3 Sustainable Development Goals

183

198

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

AT A GLANCE

HOUSING

PLANS & STRATEGIES

1,963 new homes were completed in Cork City between Q3 2022 – Q1 2024

510 APARTMENTS

1,453 HOUSES

NEW CORK CITY COUNCIL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2024-2029

3,135 private market residential units granted planning permission

2,534 new homes commenced construction

TRANSPORT

NEW PLATFORM at Cork Kent Station granted planning permission

NEW TREE STRATEGY 2024

PRIMARY CYCLE

NETWORKS COMPLETED

PUBLIC REALM AND FOOTPATH RENEWAL PROJECTS on MacCurtain Street, Bishop Lucy Park and the Marina Promenade

4 more under construction

8 5

under construction

Adopted Cork City Council ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING Infrastructure Strategy

NEW LOCAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLAN 2023-2029

COMPLETED ACTIVE TRAVEL PROJECTS

granted planning permission

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Introduction

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

INTRODUCTION

Preamble The Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 was adopted by resolution of Council on 10th June 2022 and took effect on 8th August 2022.

The development plan is the City Council’s principal planning strategy document, giving spatial expression to the physical, economic, social and environmental needs of the community to support and regulate new development, enhance valued assets and amenities and protect the environment. 1

There is an obligation in law for a planning authority to take the necessary steps within its powers to secure the objectives of a development plan 2 , and there is a statutory obligation 3 for the Chief Executive to prepare a report for the Elected Members on the progress achieved in securing the objectives of the development plan not more than two years after the making of a development plan. This report will detail the progress made within this two-year period on the specific objectives set out in the development plan. This report has been prepared having regard to the Development Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2022 which addresses plan implementation, monitoring and reporting. This report must also specifically include information in relation to progress on, and the results of, monitoring the significant environmental effects of implementation of the development plan 4 , and a separate Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Interim Monitoring report accompanies this two-year progress report and can be found in Appendix 1. Overview The Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 sets out the strategic vision for how the city will grow and develop over the six-year period 2022 to 2028, while contemplating a longer 2040 vision. This is the first statutory land-use plan for Cork City that also encompasses the towns of Ballincollig, Blarney, Tower and Glanmire and their wider hinterland areas. With a population of over 224,000, Cork is an emerging international city of scale and a national driver of economic and urban growth.

Project Ireland 2040 designates the city for significant additional growth over the next 20 years, supported by large scale investment in enabling and supporting infrastructure. Monitoring plays a crucial role in understanding how effective the Development Plan objectives are in securing the delivery of sustainable development.

A POPULATION OF OVER 224,000

means Cork is an emerging international city of scale and a national driver of economic and urban growth.

Development Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2022 Section 15(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Section 15(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

2 3 4

Article 13J of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 600 of 2001), as amended.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Key Changes In Legislation And The Operating Environment There have been a number of key changes in planning legislation and policy and in the general operating environment for the City Development Plan since the Plan was adopted.

[1] Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2022 These section 28 Ministerial Guidelines (dated June 2022) were published on 1 July 2022 which was after the adoption of the City Development Plan. These Guidelines provide guidance on the preparation, process, content, implementation, monitoring and reporting of development plans. However, Draft Guidelines were published in August 2021 and regard was had to these in the preparation of the City Development Plan. [2] Residential Zoned Land Tax – Finance Act 2021 and Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2022 The residential zoned land tax (RZLT) was announced in Budget 2022 and was introduced under the Finance Act 2021. RZLT is a tax aimed at activating serviced and residentially zoned land for housing. While the Revenue Commissioner is responsible for administering the tax, local authorities are responsible for identifying the land that is subject to RZLT. The objective of the tax is to activate land that is serviced and zoned for residential use or mixed use in order to increase housing supply and to ensure regeneration of vacant and idle lands in urban areas. [3] Planning and Development Bill 2023 The Planning and Development Bill was published on 22nd November 2023. It has competed Dáil Éireann Third Stage (“Committee Stage”) and on 18th April 2024 a revised Bill, as amended in the Select Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, was published. The Bill proposes to consolidate and revise Irish planning law and provides for a number of fundamental changes including ten-year development plans with the core strategy replaced with an integrated overall strategy and a series of six thematic strategies, new Urban Development Zones and National Planning Statements, and a new suite of area-based plans.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

[4] Sustainable and Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2024

The Sustainable and Compact Settlement Guidelines were published on 12th January 2024 and replace the previous guidelines from 2009. They set out policy and guidance on the planning and development of compact urban settlements and address matters including residential density and car parking. Notably, the Guidelines promote the 15-minute city concept as the overarching objective for planning sustainable residential development and compact settlements, which is a fundamental concept that underpins the City Development Plan. An accompanying non-statutory design manual that will illustrate best practice guidance has not yet been published. [5] EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 On 28th April 2022 Cork was announced one of the EU Mission for climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. This is not referenced in the City Development Plan as the announcement was made too late in the plan-making process, however climate and the environment are cross-cutting themes that transcend all chapters in the Plan and coordination with the Cork City Climate Action Plan ensures strong local policy coherence for sustainable development. [6] Review of the National Planning Framework (NPF) A review of the NPF is expected in the coming months. This may have implications for the current City Development Plan, but will most certainly inform the next Cork City Development Plan post-2028. The NPF review could impact upon growth targets and influence the delivery of housing, jobs and enabling and supporting infrastructure. Building on “Cork 2050”, which was a joint submission by Cork City Council and Cork County Council to the preparation of the National Planning Framework 2040, Cork City Council will participate in the NPF review process and make formal submissions on matters including growth targets, infrastructural investment, governance and climate action.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

What is Monitored? A strategic approach to monitoring has been taken with a focus on the anticipated or proposed key outcomes of the Plan. While it is not possible to monitor every aspect of a Development Plan, a range of statistics and data must be monitored to ascertain the effectiveness of this Plan and ensure that it is aligned with the National Planning Framework (NPF), Southern Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP). To establish an effective monitoring regime Cork City Council has committed to monitoring a range of actions and objectives set out in this Plan to better understand the extent to which objectives of this Plan are being realised. These are set out in Chapter 13 ‘Implementation Monitoring Framework’ of the Plan and form the basis of this report. 110 of the 364 City Development Plan objectives are identified in the Plan to be monitored for the purposes of this section 15(2) report. See Appendix 2 for detailed description of each objective. The overarching issues which are monitored are the delivery of homes, jobs, climate change, education, health and environment. The delivery of sites identified in the Core Strategy for housing are also closely monitored, in order to ensure that the Plan delivers compact growth in Cork City. The implementation of these objectives requires collaboration and engagement with a range of stakeholders, sectoral and investment interests, government departments and agencies. In many cases implementation is not the sole responsibility of Cork City Council, but a partnership approach is required to implement the objectives of the Plan. Cork City Council will continue to fulfil its commitment to monitoring the Plan’s key objectives through active land management measures, in accordance with Objectives 2.40 to 2.42 of the Plan. This involves working with developers, utility and service providers, landowners, state agencies, national government and community stakeholders to deliver specific development objectives in areas throughout the city. Implementing active land management measures will also include new mechanisms and tools to monitor and inform implementation and review the Plan on a more consistent basis. This approach is focused on providing better and more up to date information to help unlock barriers, enable innovative problem solving and facilitate timely decision making around the implementation of the Plan.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Reporting Time Period This report covers the time period 8th August 2022, the date the Plan came into effect, until the end of the first quarter of this year, 31st March 2024. The reason for this cutoff date was to allow for information gathering while facilitating sufficient time to analyse the data and prepare this report. Most of the data and metrics presented in this report refer to this timeframe, and references in this report to a current point in time, e.g. ‘to date’, ‘present date’ or ‘currently’ refer to 31st March 2024, unless specifically stated otherwise. Core Strategy Monitoring This report specifically addresses the above-mentioned monitoring timeframe and, for city-wide objectives, the entire administrative area of Cork City Council. The exception to this the “Core Strategy – Planning & Delivery Review” chapter, which focuses mainly on a review of the Core Strategy. This chapter differs in two fundamental ways to the majority of this report: (1) it is not limited to the above-mentioned monitoring timeframe, and considers a longer timeframe and considers trends, and (2) it concentrates on sites identified in the Core Strategy and reflected in “Figure 2.21 Cork City Growth Strategy” of the City Development Plan. Core Strategy monitoring is required under the Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2022 and is essential in identifying development patterns and trends. For these reasons, data provided in the “Core Strategy – Planning & Delivery Review” chapter could at first glance appear to differ from data provided in the other chapters of the report, but the reasons for this are set out above – they considering a different timeframe and assess a different physical extent.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Structure of the Report The structure of this report follows the structure of the City Development Plan with the 9 Strategic Objectives and accompanying themed chapters.

Core Strategy Planning & Delivery Review

Strategic Objective 1: Compact Liveable Growth

Strategic Objective 2: Delivering Homes & Communities

Strategic Objective 3: Transport & Mobility

Strategic Objective 4: Climate & Environment

Strategic Objective 5: Green & Blue Infrastructure, Open Space & Biodiversity

Strategic Objective 6: Economy & Employment

Strategic Objective 7: Heritage, Arts & Culture

Strategic Objective 8: Environmental Infrastructure Strategic Objective 9: Placemaking & Managing Development and Key Growth Areas & Neighbourhood Development Sites

The following appendices attached to this report:

This report presents information on the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Plan The full text of the 110 Development Plan Objectives monitored in this report.

Appendix 1: SEA Interim Monitoring Report

Appendix 2: Development Plan Objectives

Appendix 3: Sustainable Development Goals

(see next section below)

Appendix 3 does not form part of the official content of this section 15(2) report and is provided for information.

Alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The City Development Plan recognises that its policies and objectives can support the achievement of SDGs, and consequently assigns particular significance to the SDGs. Objective 2.1 ‘United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’, the Plan’s first numbered objective, commits Cork City Council to integrating the SDGs and the National Planning Framework’s National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) into its land use planning and management. The Plan structure of 9 Strategic Objectives and 364 specific development objectives is framed to support the SDGs. Paragraph 2.7 sets out that the Plan is designed to ensure Cork City can play its role in supporting the delivery of the SDGs while paragraph 2.11 clarifies that the Plan’s 9 Strategic Objectives connect directly to the SDG’s and the 10 NSOs. The tables on pages 16-18 of the Plan set out how the 9 Strategic Objectives align with the SDGs. The City Development Plan sets out how its strategic objectives and themed chapters align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While SDGs are not normally considered in progress reports on development plans, it is useful to consider how the Plan policies and objectives contribute to progressing SDGs at the local level. Appendix 3 comprises a high-level strategic policy review on how the City Development Plan has contributed over the past two years to achieving the SDGs at a local level.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Core Strategy Planning & Delivery

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

INTRODUCTION The Core Strategy set out in Chapter 2 of the City Development Plan forms the heart of the Plan, setting out the nine Strategic Objectives and identifying population, housing and employment targets as well as city-level infrastructural requirements. The focus of this chapter is on providing an update on data and information linked to the Core Strategy’s main objectives. Maps, tables and charts track how these objectives are being delivered in the city, consistent with National and Regional objectives and investment priorities. The growth strategy set out in the City Development Plan is based on the City Capacity Study (2021) which identified underutilised sites, brownfield and infill sites and greenfield land, which together form the residential growth capacity of the city. The planning activity of these sites is monitored to assess which of these sites are active, have live planning permission, commencement notices or have been delivered. This Residential Activity Monitor provides a snapshot of the status of the residential sites across the city. This chapter analyses the residential activity trends along with spatial development patterns for themes such as demographic change and modal share. As explained in the Introduction to this report, this chapter assesses trends beyond the monitoring timeframe that defines the rest of this report – particularly between the two most recent Censuses in 2016 and 2022 – and considers primarily those lands identified in the Core Strategy which are reflected in “Figure 2.21 Cork City Growth Strategy” of the City Development Plan. It is important to consider the progress achieved in implementing the City Development Plan in its first two years in the broader planning and development context. Conversely, the “Strategic Objective 2 Delivering Homes & Communities” chapter considers only developments since the making of the City Development Plan on 8th August 2022.

This chapter is set out in the following sections:

• An Executive Summary provides an assessment of the overall key findings. A summary of the main findings is also provided at the start of each section.

• Section 1 – Residential Activity Monitor tracks activity within all residential sites identified in the Core Strategy.

• Section 2 – Spatial Development Patterns looks at key spatial trends within the city’s network of neighbourhoods, including household size, tenure mix and modal share.

• Section 3 – City Development Trends tracks data and sets out key indicators to allow for a greater understanding of progress made in delivering the Plan’s key strategic objective, Strategic Objective 1: Compact Liveable Growth.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Residential Activity Monitor shows that most (80%) of the residential projects coming through are within the existing built-up area of the city. Given time lags from commencement to delivery of around 12-18 months, an increased housing delivery rate up to end of 2025 is predicted. The location and scale of planning activity for residential developments generally matches the Core Strategy, including the City Centre, City Docklands, Ballyvollane and Glanmire. Significant capacity for increased planning activity remains in designated longer term strategic growth areas including City Docklands, Tivoli Docks, North Blackpool/Kilbarry and Stoneview (Blarney). Green transport modes (walking, cycling and public transport) account for 28% of the city total and are highest along east-west corridors. High green mode usage rates (42%-62%) occur around key employment locations including UCC, MTU, CUH, Blackpool and along Model Farm Road. Private transport modes account for 56% of the total with the highest usage rates occurring in Glanmire, Blarney, Tower, Mount Oval and the City Hinterland.

Cork City’s total population growth in the Census period of 2016 to 2022 was +6.2%. This is below the ambitious targets set out under the National Planning Framework (NPF) 2040. The City Centre and the Southeast, Southwest and Northwest suburbs all grew at a faster rate than foreseen. Conversely, City Docklands, the Northeast suburbs, Ballincollig and Blarney are all below their City Development Plan population growth targets. Please refer to Figure 9: Cork City’s Neighbourhoods, Towns and Communities for further details. The planning, commencement and delivery of houses have all increased since the adoption of the Plan in August 2022. Cork City Council’s Residential Activity Monitor tracks activity on all medium to large-scale residential sites identified in the Core Strategy for developments of 10 units and more. It monitors all sites that have residential capacity, regardless of whether they are subject to planning activity. The monitor shows that there are more than 11,000 residential units with live planning permission 5 , of which 8,500 units have live commencement notices and 2,293 were built as of July 2024. An additional 3,046 units are pending planning permission. This includes both public and private housing and student accommodation. However, housing delivery remains notably below the NPF and City Development Plan targets, with the average quarterly completion rate of 280 units being one third of the quarterly delivery target of 852 units set out in the Core Strategy.

28% OF THE CITY’S TRANSPORT

is green transport (walking, cycling, public transport

Average Household Size (AHS) has marginally reduced to 2.62 persons (from 2.63 persons) with a wide range across the city’s neighbourhoods (1.9-3.2 persons) and being notably smaller in central neighbourhoods (1.9-2.2 persons). The supply of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) has increased in the city with 1,050 bedspaces completed since August 2022.

11,000 RESIDENTIAL UNITS

have living planning permission

Note that these sites have planning permissions and commencement notices that may predate the coming into effect of the City Development Plan on 8th August 2022.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

The concentration of private rental housing remains greatest in central neighbourhoods including the City Centre, South Parish and St. Lukes (40%-57% of total stock). Mayfield, Fairhill and surrounding neighbourhoods have lower levels (2%-10%) of private housing. Private apartments, including townhouses and duplexes, are at the greatest rates in central neighbourhoods including South Parish, St. Lukes and Dennehy’s Cross (44%–82% of total stock), and lowest in Glanmire, the Glen and Tower (1%–6%). The City Centre experienced relatively strong population growth (+14%, 2016-2022) but lower levels of residential activity than other parts of city. With ongoing regeneration planned for brownfield sites and increasing re-use of existing building stock, there is potential for a significant increase to the City Centre population to 2040.

14% POPULATION GROWTH

in the City Centre between 2016 and 2022

A spike in residential units granted in Q4, 2023 was primarily due to the granting of the Goulding’s site in the Cork Docklands. This demonstrates the importance of delivery within the city’s large scale regeneration areas, in order to achieve the NPF growth targets. The city suburbs continue to deliver a solid pipeline of residential activity, however the spatial distribution of this activity reflects infrastructure planning and investment constraints. The Northeast suburb is notably behind in residential delivery, with land banks awaiting key infrastructure including the Northern Distributor Multimodal Route, the planned train station at Kilbarry (which will be in the Northwest but will benefit the future development of the Northeast) and water infrastructure. The City Hinterland settlements have seen high levels of residential activity, with Kerry Pike already surpassing its City Development Plan growth target to 2028.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

SECTION 1: RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY MONITOR This section of this Chapter addresses residential activity in Cork City, including dwelling completions and planning activity, focussing on the residential sites identified in the Plan’s Core Strategy. The Cork City Residential Activity Monitor tracks activity on sites identified in the Core Strategy. It analyses planning, commencement and delivery related activity within these sites and all other sites with +10 units. This includes Large Residential Developments (LRDs), mix-use developments and Part 8 social and affordable housing projects. The status of planning applications on all sites was reviewed to determine whether permission was granted or pending, and the status of the construction and delivery on all sites was also reviewed to determine whether works had been completed, commenced or not commenced.

Summary of Findings • Planning, commencement and delivery

• CSO data indicates that commencement notices for 2,534 new residential units were received between Q3, 2022 and Q1, 2024, giving a quarterly average of 362 units. • Over the last 2 years, quarterly unit totals for residential commencement notices are 31% higher than equivalent totals for residential delivery. • Given the time lags from commencement to delivery of around 12-18 months, this trend indicates an increasing housing delivery rate is pending in the city , up to end of 2025. • A breakdown of new dwelling completions within the five Local Electoral Areas (LEAs) in Cork City shows that the Northeast accounts for 30% of the City total , with over half (53%) occurring in the north of the city. • Non-apartment units in housing schemes account for 69% of the overall units delivered, with apartments accounting for 26% and single homes accounting for 5%. • The average quarterly delivery rate of apartments/townhouses and duplexes delivery in the City is 73 units within the review period and is predominantly occurring in edge-of-city locations.

of houses in the city have all increased over the last 5 years, with a doubling of residential units granted during this period. • The ratio of private houses to private apartments, including townhouses and duplexes, granted planning permission is 40:60 during the last 2 years . • A spike in units granted in Q4, 2023 is primarily due to the granting of a major development on the Goulding’s site in the Cork Docklands (planning ref. no. 23/42106). • The residential completion rate in the City between Q3, 2022 and Q1, 2024 equates to a delivery rate of 33% of City Development Plan’s new residential target (5,399 units) for the same period. • An average quarterly completion rate of 280 units during this period is below the 852-unit quarterly delivery target set out in the City Plan. • Social Housing and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) apart, the rate of apartment delivery in central areas of the city remains low .

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

New Dwelling Completions The figures for new dwelling completions in Cork City include planning permissions granted under the previous Cork City and County Development Plans (pre-boundary extension, May 2019). An analysis of quarterly dwelling completions during the last 6 years shows an increasing rate of delivery over the last 3 years, raising from an average of 202 units per quarter (Q2, 2018 – Q1, 2021) to 251 units per quarter (Q2, 2021 – Q1, 2024).

251 average dwelling completions per quarter (Q2, 2021 - Q1, 2024)

Figure 1: Cork City New Dwelling Completion Q3 2022 - Q1, 2024 (Units)

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

2022 Q3 2022 Q4 2023 Q1

2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2024 Q1

YEAR AND QUARTER

2022, Q3 2022, Q4 2023, Q1 2023, Q2 2023, Q3 2023, Q4 2024, Q1

TOTAL

330

353

260

306

157

318

239

1,963

Source: CSO New Dwelling Completions (Table NDQ06: https://data.cso.ie/table/NDQ06)

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

The quarterly average delivery was 280 units. The City Development Plan targets a delivery rate of 852 units per quarter over the plan period. The actual delivery therefore equates to an overall delivery rate of 33% of the City Delivery Plan target (5,399 units between Q3, 2022 and Q1, 2024). Note that this only includes private development, therefore social housing and student housing is not counted here. Please see “Strategic Objective 2 – Delivering Homes & Communities”, “Objective 3.3 New Housing Supply, subsection (6) Local Authority Housing Supply” on page 51 for details of social housing and “Objective 3.8 Purpose Built Student Accommodation” on page 55 for details on student housing.

Figure 2: New Dwelling Completions in Cork City By Local Electoral Area (LEA) Q3 2022 - Q1 2024 (Units)

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

Cork City North West

Cork City North East

Cork City South East

Cork City South Central

Cork City South West

LOCAL ELECTORAL AREA

Local Electoral Area

2022 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023 2024 TOTAL % Share

Cork City North West Cork City North East Cork City South East Cork City South Central Cork City South West

111

443 22.6

100 80

155

593 30.2

109

364 18.5

205 10.4

358 18.2

330 353 260 306 157

318

239 1,963 100

TOTAL

Source: CSO New Dwelling Completions (Table NDQ09: https://data.cso.ie/table/NDQ09)

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

A breakdown of new dwelling completions by LEA shows the north of the city accounts for over half (53%) of the total delivered (1,963 units). The Northeast of the city has a 30% share, the Northwest 23%, the Southeast 19%, the Southwest 18% and Southcentral accounts for the remaining 10%.

In a broader context, the dwelling completions for the period of this Report – since the coming into effect of the Plan – is set out in the graph below since Q2, 2018.

Figure 3: Cork City New Dwelling Completion Quarterly 2018 -2024 (Units)

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

YEAR AND QUARTER

Source: CSO New Dwelling Completions (Table NDQ06: https://data.cso.ie/table/NDQ06)

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

New Dwelling Typologies A breakdown of the 1,963 units completed in the city between Q3, 2023 and Q1, 2024 shows that non- apartment units within housing schemes are the dominant typology being delivered. These unit types account for 69% of the overall units delivered, with apartments being 26% and single homes (not delivered as part of a larger housing development) accounting for the remaining 5%. The relatively high rate of apartment delivery includes duplex units in edge-of-city locations such as Ballyvollane, Ballinglana in Glanmire, Maglin and Castletreasure. The recent delivery of a number of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and social housing apartment schemes apart, the rate of apartment delivery in central areas of the city remains low.

Figure 4: New Dwellings In Cork City By Type Q3, 2022 - Q1, 2024 (Units)

300

250

200

150

100

2022Q3

2022Q4

2023Q1

2023Q2

2023Q3

2023Q4

2024Q1

Single house Scheme house Apartment

Type of House Single house Scheme house

2022 Q3

2022 Q4

2023 Q1

2023 Q2

2023 Q3

2023 Q4

2024 Q1

TOTAL

103

226 244 188 281

117

109 185 1,350

90 62

24 198

510

Apartment

Total

330 353 260 306 157 318 239 1,963

Source: CSO New Dwelling Completions (Table NDQ06: https://data.cso.ie/table/NDQ06)

Commencement Notices A commencement notice gives notice to local authorities of the construction of buildings, or the carrying out of works, as specified in the Building Regulations. Planning permissions most commonly have a five-year lifespan and do not always result in delivery. An analysis of commencement notices therefore provides a more accurate view of construction activity and trends. Commencement notices were received for 2,534 units in Cork City between Q3, 2022 and Q1, 2024. The monthly average rate increased sharply in the second half of this period. Comparing the quarterly averages of housing completions (280 units) and commencement notices (362 units) in Cork City over the last 2 years shows that commencement notices are generally 30% higher for the same periods. Allowing for a 12 to 18-month time lag from commencement to completion, this trend points towards an increased residential delivery rate for Cork City up to the end of 2025.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Figure 5: Cork City Monthly Commencement Notices August 2022-March 2024

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

Source: CSO HSM13 - Commencement Notices https://data.cso.ie/table/HSM13

Planning Permissions As noted above, tracking the rate of planning permissions granted is a less accurate means of understanding future residential delivery rates. It does however give a strong indication of the intent to deliver housing in the city.

Figure 6: Cork City Council Permission Granted (Units) – Quarterly Q3, 2022 – Q1, 2024

1800

1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

2022Q3 2022Q4 2023Q1

2023Q2 2023Q3 2023Q4 2024Q1

Houses Private Flats/Apartments

Source: CSO BHQ17 Planning Permissions Granted for New Houses and Apartments

Apart from the spike in Q4, 2023, the number of units granted since the adoption of the City Development Plan has ranged from 138 – 485 units per quarter. The spike in units granted in Q4, 2023 is primarily due to the granting of an LRD planning permission for 1,325 units on the Goulding’s site in the Cork Docklands (planning ref. no. 23/42106). This illustrates the importance of City Docklands delivery in achieving the NPF 2040 compact growth targets for Cork City. The number of houses granted versus private apartments, including townhouses and duplexes, has a quarterly average ratio of 40 : 60 for the same period.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Residential Activity Trends

The Covid Pandemic period apart (2021), planning, commencement and residential delivery activity in Cork City have all generally increased over the last 5 years.

Figure 7: Cork City Residential Activity Yearly Trends 2019 -2023

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Permissions Granted Commencement Notices New Housing Delivery

Source: CSO BHQ17 Planning Permissions Granted and Commencement Notices for New House/Apt Delivery

Figure 8: Commencement and Delivery Trends 2021 -2024

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

2021Q1 2021Q2 2021Q3 2021Q4 2022Q1 2022Q2 2022Q3 2022Q4 2023Q1 2023Q2 2023Q3 2023Q4 2024Q1

Commencement notices

New Dwelling Completion

Linear (Commencement Notices)

Linear (New Dwelling Completion)

Source: CSO BHQ17 Planning Permissions Granted and Commencement Notices for New House/Apt Delivery

The granting of residential units has notably increased over the past 5 years, doubling in output since 2019. Commencement notices and residential delivery activity continued to increase post-2021. The trends for commencement notices and planning permissions granted are generally well-aligned over the last 3 years. This could be the result from a backlog of planning permissions granted but not commenced during the Covid period.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

SECTION 2: SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS This section looks at a number of key spatial trends within this network of neighbourhoods, including household size, tenure mix and modal share. Planning for a network of liveable neighbourhoods in Cork City requires the integration of a range of house types and tenures, jobs and businesses, recreation, green space, local shops, health services and other amenities. The Core Strategy defines an existing and emerging network of neighbourhoods, towns, and communities in the city, supported by the Cork City Neighbourhood Profiles which provides a socio-economic profile for each of these places. Each profile uses a series of indicators and comparative data based on census data (2016 and 2022). The profile provides an evidence base to inform developers, policymakers, planners and the wider community to make informed place-based decisions on the nature, mix and form of new development at neighbourhood level.

Summary of Findings

• Owner-occupied housing accounts for 61% of Cork City’s total housing stock , with private rental accounting for 25% and social housing 14%. • Private rental housing is greatest in central neighbourhoods including the City Centre, South Parish and St. Lukes (40%–57% of total housing stock). • Mayfield, Fairhill and surrounding neighbourhoods have lower levels of private rental (2%-10% of total housing stock). • Private apartments , including townhouses and duplexes, are at the greatest rates in central neighbourhoods including South

• Green mode usage is higher along east/ west corridors, reflects the city’s urban density, mix of land uses, public transport infrastructure and topography. • The highest green mode usage rates (42%-62%) occur centrally and around key employment locations such as UCC, MTU, CUH, Blackpool and along Model Farm Road. • The highest private modal usage rates (70%-81%) occur in Glanmire, Blarney, Tower, Kerry Pike, Mount Oval/Garryduff and within the City Hinterland. • Public transport modes (bus and rail) account for 9%-18% of total trips in the City Centre and in key employment locations such as CUH, Blackpool and along Model Farm Road. • Low rates of public transport usage (4%-6%) occur in Blarney, the Lough and Turners Cross. • Average Household Size (AHS) in Cork City is 2.62 persons (national average 2.74) with a wide range across the city’s neighbourhoods from 1.95 persons in St. Luke’s to 3.15 in Frankfield.

Parish, St. Lukes and Dennehy’s Cross (44%–82% of total stock).

• Glanmire, the Glen and Tower have relatively l ow rates of private apartments, including townhouses and duplexes (1%-6% of total housing stock). • Green modes (walking, cycling and public transport) account for 27.8% of the total trips made to work, school, college or childcare in the city. Private modes account for 55.6%.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

• AHS is generally smaller within central neighbourhoods (1.9-2.2 persons).

• A greater concentration of 18-24 years (20%-48% of the total) live in the neighbourhoods around the two university campuses (UCC and MTU). • Lower numbers of 18-24 years live in Ballincollig, Douglas, Grange and adjoining neighbourhoods in the Southeast suburbs (6%-11%).

• Glanmire, Knocknaheeny and Frankfield have relatively larger AHS (2.9-3.2 persons).

• Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) has increased in the city with 1,050 bedspaces completed, since August 2022.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Figure 9: Cork City’s Neighbourhoods, Towns and Communities

CORK CITY AREAS

City Centre Area North East Suburb South East Suburb South West Suburb North West Suburb Urban Towns Hinterland Settlements City Hinterland City Suburb

1. Heart of the City (CC) 2. Main Street/South Gate (CC) 3. McCurtain Street/St. Luke’s (CC) 4. Shandon/Fairhill (CC) 5. South Parish (CC) 6. North City Docks (CC) 7. South City Docks (CC) 8. Blackpool (NE/NW) 9. Blackpool North/Kilbarry (NE) 10. Mayfield (NE) 11. Montenotte (NE) 12. The Glen (NE) 13. Tivoli (NE) 14. Churchfield/Gurranabraher (NW)

15. Fair Hill (NW) 16. Farranree/Farranferris (NW)

30. Ballyphehane (SW) 31. Bishopstown (SW)

17. Knocknaheeny (NW) 18. Sundays Well (NW) 19. Ballinlough (SE) 20. Ballintemple (SE) 21. Blackrock (SE) 22. Donnybrook (SE) 23. Douglas (SE) 24. Frankfield (SE)

32. Dennehys Cross (SW) 33. Model Farm Road (SW) 34. The Lough (SW) 35. Togher (SW) 36. Turners Cross (SW) 37. UCC (SW) 38. Wilton (SW) 39. Ballincollig (Urban Town) 40. Blarney (Urban Town) 41. Glanmire (Urban Town) 42. Tower (Urban Town) 43. City Hinterland 44. Hinterland Settlements**

25. Grange (SE) 26. Mahon (SE) 27. Maryborough (SE) 28. Mount Oval/Garryduff (SE) 29. Rochestown (SE)

Source: Fig 2.1. Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028. Cork City’s Neighbourhoods, Towns, and Communities.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Housing Tenure and Type

The 2022 Census data on housing tenure mix in Cork City can be classified into three broad categories: owner-occupier housing, private rental housing and social housing. In 2022, owner- occupied housing account for 61% of total housing stock, with private rental accounting for 25% and social housing 14%.

25% of the total housing stock are private rentals.

Figure 10: Cork City Tenure Mix

13.5%

Social Rented

25.5% Private Rented

60.9% Owner Occupied

Source: Census 2022 The graphic below illustrates the spread of private rented homes across the city. Figure 11: Percentage Private Rented homes by Neighbourhood % Private Rented By Neighbourhood

1 4

Source: Cork City’s Neighbourhoods Profile 2022 (AIRO, NUI Maynooth and Cork City Council)

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

The spatial distribution of private rental housing in the city is greatest in central neighbourhoods such as the Heart of the City, South Parish and St. Lukes (40%-57% of total housing stock). Rates generally decrease further away from the central city area, with Model Farm Road, Sunday’s Well and Rochestown being exceptions. Mayfield, Fairhill and surrounding neighbourhoods have lower levels of private rental, ranging between 2%-10% of the total housing stock.

% Flats/Apartments By Neighbourhood

Figure 12: Percentage Flats or Apartments by Neighbourhood

1 4

Source: Cork City’s Neighbourhoods Profile 2022 (AIRO, NUI Maynooth and Cork City Council)

The spatial distribution of private apartments, including townhouses and duplexes, is greatest in central neighbourhoods such as the Heart of the City, South Parish and St. Lukes, ranging between 44%-82% of the total housing stock. Dennehy’s Cross also has a high rate. Rates generally decrease further away from the central areas, CUH and the main UCC campus. Glanmire, the Glen and Tower have relatively low rates, ranging from 1%-6% of the total housing stock.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

Transport Modal Share Transport modal share in Cork City can be classified into two broad categories: • green modes (walking, cycling and public transport), and • private modes (private cars) In 2022, green modes accounted for 27.8% of the total trips made to work, school, college or childcare with private modes accounting for 55.6%.5F 6

Figure 13: Cork City Modal Share

8.5% Not Stated

8.1% Work From Home

19.2% Active Travel

8.6% Public Transport

55.6%

CSO Travel modes used by persons aged 5+ or travel to employment and education destinations. Categories are Active Travel (walk/cycle), Public Transport (bus/rail/light rail),

Private Modes

Private Modes (private car/van, passenger), Work Mainly from Home and Not Stated.

Source: Census 2022

The graphic below reflects the percentage of active modal share across the city.

Figure 14: Percentage Modal Share by Neighbourhood: Active Travel dal Share By Neighbourhood: Green Modes 2022

1 4

Source: Cork City’s Neighbourhoods Profile 2022 (AIRO, NUI Maynooth and Cork City Council)

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

The spatial distribution of green mode usage for trips to work, school, college or childcare reflects the urban density, land uses and transport infrastructure within the city. It is also reflective of the city’s topography, with increased usage along the flatter east-west corridors. Highest usage rates (42%- 62%) occur centrally and around key employment locations such as UCC, MTU, CUH, Blackpool and along Model Farm Road. Lower rates of usage are found in Glanmire, Blarney, Frankfield, Grange, Maryborough and Rochestown (3%-10%). The City Hinterland Settlements and wider City Hinterland also have low levels of green mode usage.

The graphic below reflects the percentage of private modal share across the city.

Figure 15: Percentage Modal Share by Neighbourhood: Private Transport Modal Share By Neighbourhood: Private Transport 2022

1 4

Source: Cork City’s Neighbourhoods Profile 2022 (AIRO, NUI Maynooth and Cork City Council)

The spatial distribution of private transport usage for trips to work, school, college or childcare also reflects the urban density, land uses, transport infrastructure and the topography of the city. The highest usage rates (70%-81%) generally occur in Glanmire, Blarney, Tower, Kerry Pike and Mount Oval/Garryduff. High rates also occur in more peripheral areas, including the City Hinterland Settlements and the wider hinterland.

[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]

The graphic below reflects the percentage of public transport modal share across the city.

Figure 16: Percentage Modal Share by Neighbourhood: Public Transport Modal Share By Neighbourhood: Public Transport 2022

1 4

Source: Cork City’s Neighbourhoods Profile 2022 (AIRO, NUI Maynooth and Cork City Council)

The spatial distribution of public transport usage (bus and rail) for trips to work, school, college or childcare are more dispersed that other modes. The centre of the city has the highest usage rates (13%-18%). Relatively high rates (9%-13%) also occur around key employment locations such as CUH, Blackpool and Model Farm Road. Most neighbourhoods in the Northeast and Southeast suburbs have similar usage rates. The lowest rates (4%-6%) occur in Blarney, The Lough and Turners Cross.

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Page 150 Page 151 Page 152 Page 153 Page 154 Page 155 Page 156 Page 157 Page 158 Page 159 Page 160 Page 161 Page 162 Page 163 Page 164 Page 165 Page 166 Page 167 Page 168 Page 169 Page 170 Page 171 Page 172 Page 173 Page 174 Page 175 Page 176 Page 177 Page 178 Page 179 Page 180 Page 181 Page 182 Page 183 Page 184 Page 185 Page 186 Page 187 Page 188 Page 189 Page 190 Page 191 Page 192 Page 193 Page 194 Page 195 Page 196 Page 197 Page 198 Page 199 Page 200