Work begins on major housing project aiming to bring over 1,000 new homes to Cork

The Taoiseach turned the first sod this morning

13:28, 08 Jun 2026Updated 14:18, 08 Jun 2026

(L-R) Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork City, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Michael O’Flynn, Founder and CEO, O’Flynn Group, and Valerie O’Sullivan, CEO of Cork City Council, at the launch of O’Flynn Group’s Dunkettle housing scheme.

After more than twenty years of trying to secure permission at the site, the Taoiseach joined O’Flynn Group representatives to turn the sod on the first 550 homes near the Dunkettle – with plans soon to be lodged for a further 540 homes at the long-empty site.

The 158-acre site near the Dunkettle Interchange was purchased by the O’Flynn Group back in 2003, but plans to build a large-scale residential development were repeatedly rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála, which cited poor road infrastructure in the area as a key reason for the rejections.

However, following the opening of the Dunkettle Interchange in 2024, another attempt was made to secure planning, and the developers were granted the green light on appeal last year. Work finally began at the site today, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin turning the sod alongside developerMichael O’Flynn, Cork City Council CEO Valerie O’Sullivan and the Lord Mayor.

The first release of new homes hit the market in April of this year and were snapped up within a matter of days by eager buyers. This release included around 30 properties, comprising a mix of 2-, 3- and 4-bed terraced and semi-detached homes. It’s understood that developers will release further homes from the site in batches, roughly 9 months before the expected completion date of each property.

What the homes at Dunkettle will look like

If permission is granted for the second phase of the development, an estimated 1,090 homes will be built at the site, making it one of the largest housing developments not only in Cork but nationwide. Plans also include the construction of a neighbourhood centre, a creche and a range of open community spaces for residents. It’s expected that the first houses in this development will be occupied by early 2027.

Speaking at the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I am delighted to mark this significant milestone with the turning of the sod for the hugely ambitious Dunkettle development. The delivery of new homes is a clear priority for government and this development will provide a substantial number of houses for Cork City.

“I want to thank Cork City Council and the O’Flynn Group for their dedication to this project, and I look forward to seeing the first residents occupying their new homes next year.”

Additionally, there will be a separate planning application on Dunkettle house and grounds with a proposal to refurbish the house itself, as well as the walled garden and surrounding area to provide a mix of retail, artisan food, restaurant and other ancillary retail uses – as well as further landscaping of the 26 acres of parkland fronting Dunkettle House.

Michael O’Flynn, Chairman and Chief Executive of The O’Flynn Group, said: “We are delighted to have An Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Dunkettle today for an official sod turning of phase 1. This development is a key residential site to provide much-needed housing to Cork city and the surrounding areas.

“We anticipate that when the application for phase two has been submitted, the overall scheme will provide in excess of 1,000 residential units as well as a range of commercial, retail and childcare offerings. Sites like Dunkettle are of key strategic importance to ensure that Cork continues to deliver on ambitious housing targets.

“This has been achieved through detailed collaboration between all key stakeholders, in particular with Cork City Council. We look forward to delivering quality homes and creating a vibrant community in Dunkettle over the coming years”.

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