Building communities for the future
Cork is Ireland’s largest county and one of its most dynamic regions, continuing to experience significant population, economic, and employment growth.
To support this growth, Cork County Council is taking a long-term strategic approach to planning, housing delivery, infrastructure investment, and digital innovation, ensuring communities remain connected, sustainable, and resilient for generations to come. A major milestone in 2026 was the adoption of variation one to the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Prepared in response to updated National Planning Framework housing targets, the variation significantly increases residential zoning capacity across the county and provides for a baseline of 38,370 new homes over the next decade, with the potential to accommodate up to 50,000 homes.
By planning ahead for future growth, the council is creating the framework required to deliver housing, services and infrastructure in sustainable locations.
Supporting this vision is the council’s active land management section, which monitors the availability and development status of residentially zoned land and identifies opportunities to bring underutilised sites forward for development.
This work provides an important evidence base to inform decisions for planning policy and helps ensure that appropriately zoned lands are brought forward for development in line with local and national objectives.
Through strategic monitoring and reporting, the section supports the council in promoting compact growth, sustainable development, and the efficient use of land resources, while helping to deliver the housing and community infrastructure required to meet the needs of Cork’s growing population.
Regeneration and housing activation also remain key priorities. Through its dedicated vacancy and dereliction unit, Cork County Council is working to bring vacant and derelict properties back into productive use across towns and villages.
To date, almost 2,900 reportedly vacant properties have been surveyed, while 19 compulsory purchase orders have been commenced in respect of vacant and derelict buildings. Through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, 1,419 grants have been approved across the county, with 516 homes already renovated through funding of almost €29 million. These initiatives are helping to revitalise town centres, increase housing supply, and support compact growth objectives.
Delivering homes and sustainable communities
Strategic infrastructure investment is central to Cork County Council’s approach to housing delivery. The council is unlocking key growth areas in Metropolitan Cork, particularly at Carrigtwohill and Water-Rock along the Cork-Midleton rail corridor.
Together, these urban expansion areas have the potential to accommodate more than 6,500 homes and are being supported by major investment in transport, public realm, and utility infrastructure. At Carrigtwohill, a programme of infrastructure projects valued at more than €120 million will support housing growth, strengthen connections with the town centre, and improve access to rail services, schools, and employment locations.
At Water-Rock, where substantial enabling infrastructure has already been delivered, further investment is planned in transport infrastructure and public amenities, including the Water-Rock Linear Park. The project has already facilitated planning permission for approximately 1,500 homes and demonstrates the critical role infrastructure plays in accelerating sustainable development.
By aligning housing delivery with investment in transport, community facilities, and public realm improvements, Cork County Council is creating connected, sustainable neighbourhoods that support population growth while maximising the benefits of existing and planned public transport infrastructure.
Investing in connectivity and sustainable mobility
Transport infrastructure remains fundamental to Cork County Council’s long-term growth strategy. Among the most significant projects currently under construction is the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project, one of the largest transport investments currently being delivered in Ireland.
The 11km motorway scheme, now approximately 40 per cent complete, will provide a high-quality transport link between Cork city, Ringaskiddy, the Port of Cork, and the national road network.
In addition to supporting the continued development of the Port of Cork, the project will improve journey reliability, enhance road safety, and strengthen regional competitiveness. Sustainability is also a key focus, with lower-carbon construction practices helping to reduce the project’s environmental impact.
Alongside the M28, Cork County Council continues to advance a range of strategic transport initiatives, including the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project, the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road, the N25 Midleton to Youghal Transport Project, and the N40 Cork City Northern Transport Project.
The council is also supporting sustainable mobility through implementation of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040 (CMATS), investment in active travel infrastructure and the development of an expanding greenway network linking communities across the county. These projects are helping to create a more connected, resilient, and sustainable transport system for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Planning for a digital future
Digital transformation is reshaping the delivery of planning services across Cork county. Through the LGMA Local Government Ireland Planning System and the implementation of the APAS planning management system, Cork County Council has modernised the planning process, making it more accessible, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
Applicants can now submit planning applications online, pay fees, track progress, and upload documentation through a single digital platform available 24 hours a day. More than 65 per cent of the 2,548 planning applications received by the council in 2026 have been submitted online, significantly reducing paper-based administration while improving customer experience.
By embracing digital innovation alongside strategic planning and infrastructure investment, Cork County Council is creating the conditions for sustainable growth across Ireland’s largest county, ensuring communities remain vibrant, connected, and prepared for the opportunities of the future.
