Cork City Council has granted planning permission for 124 residential units at the former Dell EMC site in Innishmore, Ballincollig. The project, led by Castle Peak Properties Ltd—a firm linked to O’Callaghan Properties—will replace the former industrial facility with a mix of apartments and duplexes across two blocks. The approval follows a reduction in scale from an initial 130-home proposal and includes 50 specific conditions regarding infrastructure and safety.
Project Scope and Site Evolution
The development marks a significant transition for the Innishmore site, which has a long history of industrial use. According to an architectural design statement by Meitheal Architects, the land originally housed the Topps confectionery factory in 1976. Following the closure of that facility in 1998, the site was acquired by EMC, later becoming part of Dell Technologies, which operated there until 2021.
The new residential scheme will involve the demolition of the existing two-storey building and ancillary plant areas. The approved design features 102 apartments and 22 duplex units. While the original application proposed a six-storey structure, the project was scaled back to a maximum of five storeys following requests from the local authority.
Did you know? The site’s history traces back to the production of iconic 1970s treats like Bazooka gum before shifting into the global technology sector under the Dell EMC brand.
Infrastructure and Safety Conditions
The approval process involved public submissions, including concerns from Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch regarding traffic and pedestrian safety. In response to these submissions and the council’s own review, the project includes 50 planning conditions.
A primary safety requirement mandates the standardization of the existing uncontrolled crossing on Mechterstadt Road. The council has ordered the installation of tactile paving on both sides of the crossing and the removal of existing road markings to align with current safety standards. Additionally, the development will provide 76 car parking spaces, including four accessible bays, an increase of eight spaces from the developer’s initial proposal.
Residential Unit Mix and Access
The project is designed to offer a variety of housing options to meet local demand. The finalized unit mix includes:
- One- and two-bed apartment units.
- One-, two-, and three-bed duplex units.
Access to the residential blocks will be managed through two primary entrances. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists will enter the site via Innishmore Lawn to the north-east and Mechterstadt Road to the south-west.
Pro Tip: When evaluating large-scale residential developments, local authorities often prioritize “standardizing” pedestrian crossings to integrate new housing with existing public road networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the developer behind the Innishmore project?
The application was submitted by Castle Peak Properties Ltd, a company linked to O’Callaghan Properties.
How many homes will be built at the former Dell EMC site?
Planning permission has been granted for 124 units, comprising 102 apartments and 22 duplexes.
What happened to the original plan for 130 homes?
The development was reduced to 124 units following design alterations requested by Cork City Council, which also included the removal of a planned sixth storey.
What safety improvements are required?
The council has mandated 50 conditions, including the standardization of the uncontrolled crossing on Mechterstadt Road with new tactile paving and modified road markings.
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