Taoiseach opens 69 new social homes and breaks ground on 149 cost rental homes at major Respond development in Cork

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin today visited Jacob’s Island, Mahon Point, Cork, to mark a significant milestone in one of Cork’s largest social and cost rental housing developments. Led by Approved Housing Body and service provider Respond, the project will deliver 218 high-quality homes in total. During his visit, the Taoiseach officially opened 69 new social homes already completed and turned the sod on the next phase of 149 Cost Rental homes, due for completion in 2027.

Accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Brown TD, the Taoiseach turned the sod on the next phase of the project, which is due for completion in 2027.

Respond is Ireland’s largest construction led Approved Housing Body and service provider. Nationwide, Respond has 3,463 social and cost rental homes under construction – including 104 social homes underway in Cork City and a further 99 in partnership with Cork County Council.

Phase 1 of the development – The Crawford Centre – is already homes to 94 residents living in high quality, energy efficient one- and two-bedroom apartments. These homes are designed with community and long-term living in mind, featuring BER A2 energy ratings and air-source heat pumps for year-round comfort.

The 69 social homes were delivered by Respond with funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF), alongside finance from the Housing Finance Agency.

Located to the south of Cork City, Jacobs Island offers immediate access to parkland, walkways and public transport, with Mahon Point, employment hubs and amenities just a short walk away.

The Crawford Centre is part of a two-phase project due to commence that will see an additional 149 Cost Rental homes completed on at Jacob’s Island by 2027, bringing the total number of homes to 218.

Future plans for the area include the construction of three new apartment blocks for the 149 Cost Rental homes, as well as the development of a new neighbourhood including office space, a hotel, and a bar/restaurant. A crèche and retail unit already serve the area as part of the Crawford Centre’s existing community infrastructure.

Niamh Randall, Spokesperson for Respond said:

“We know the difference a safe, secure home can make – not just to individuals but to generations of people. That’s why we treat every move-in as a moment that matters. It’s not just about handing over keys, it’s about creating a sense of community and belonging from day one and that’s where our Tenant Experience team come in. We listen closely to our tenants and shape our services around what they tell us matters most – a warm welcome, fast responses, and a clear sense of community.

“This development shows what’s possible through strong collaboration with our partners in Cork City Council, the Department of Housing, the Housing Finance Agency and The Housing Agency. We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved here and excited for what’s to come.”

The organisation, which has been delivering housing and services across Ireland for more than 40 years, now provides homes to over 18,000 people in more than 8,100 properties. It currently has a further 3,463 social and cost rental homes under construction nationwide.