Cork City’s rental market is set for a significant expansion as the Horgan’s Quay development prepares to open its registration portal by late summer. The project, a joint venture between BAM and Clarendon Properties, will deliver 302 high-specification apartments to the North Docks, with the Land Development Agency (LDA) confirming the units will be offered under a cost-rental model designed to be 25% below local market rates.
Project Specifications and Residential Amenities
The Horgan’s Quay development features a mix of 108 one-bedroom and 194 two-bedroom apartments, designed by O’Mahony Pike. According to construction director Shaun McGinley of BAM, the project is tracking toward a completion date in the third quarter of this year. Each unit is built to an A2 energy rating, utilizing air-to-air heating systems and including integrated Kube kitchens, sanitary ware, and wardrobes.
The architectural layout prioritizes natural light and outdoor access. Approximately 106 units are dual-aspect, and every apartment includes a private terrace or balcony. Residents will have access to a split-level outdoor courtyard, while the historic Station Masters’ Building has been restored within the site’s six-acre footprint, which remains under Irish Rail ownership.
The Horgan’s Quay project is BAM’s largest construction endeavor in Cork to date, requiring an average of 200 workers on-site daily and involving over 1,500 individual inductions since the project commenced in 2024.
The Cost-Rental Model and Eligibility
LDA director of development Phelim O’Neill stated that the agency plans to initiate a tenant lottery prior to the project’s completion to streamline the move-in process. While specific monthly rents have not been finalized, the LDA aims to keep costs at a 25% discount to market rates. The agency currently uses an average rent of €1,500 across its portfolio as a benchmark, though Mr. O’Neill noted that costs are ultimately dictated by the level of government subvention received.
Current eligibility for cost-rental schemes in Cork requires a household income below €59,000. However, the LDA is actively working to adjust this limit to accommodate a broader range of workers. The site’s proximity to an estimated 10,000 jobs within a 15-minute walk makes it a strategic addition to the city’s housing stock.
Future Development in the Cork Docklands
The Horgan’s Quay site is part of a broader strategy by the LDA to accelerate residential delivery in Cork, with millions committed to local projects. Beyond the current scheme, the LDA is in discussions with Irish Rail regarding the potential development of an additional 400 to 500 units on land stretching from the CIE yard at Kent Station to the McMahon timber yard.
This expansion complements other ongoing LDA-backed projects in the region, including:
- St. Kevin’s Hospital, Shanakiel: 265 homes currently under construction.
- Marina Quarter: 337 units being developed by Glenveagh Properties PLC.
Because cost-rental properties are frequently oversubscribed—evidenced by the 1,600 applications received for 81 units in Castletroy, Co. Limerick—prospective applicants should monitor the LDA website closely for the opening of the Horgan’s Quay registration portal later this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for Horgan’s Quay apartments?
The apartments are offered under the cost-rental model. Currently, applicants must have a household income below €59,000, though the LDA is working to increase this threshold.
When will the apartments be ready for occupancy?
BAM is aiming for project completion by the third quarter of this year, with the LDA intending to have tenants in place before the end of 2026.
How much will the rent be?
Rents are set at 25% below the local market rate. The exact monthly figure will be determined based on market conditions and the level of government subvention provided for the scheme.
Are you looking for more updates on Cork’s infrastructure and housing developments? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news directly to your inbox.
