Vote delivers 1,925 acres but West Cork allocation criticised.

A CRUCIAL council vote has cleared the way for up to 50,000 new homes across the county, including rezoned land in West Cork.

Councillors formally adopted a variation to the County Development Plan in a move that will help to address what one described as a ‘strangled’ lack of growth.

The rezoning will see the delivery of a minimum 38,370 new homes by 2036, with the potential to deliver up to 50,000.

The variation includes zoning to cater for an additional 857 houses in Clonakilty, 429 in Skibbereen and 180 in Dunmanway.

Much of the rezoning is concentrated in or near the city.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) said it opens up the potential for growth, especially in West Cork’s towns and villages.

‘The ball is now in Uisce Éireann’s court who need to step up the pace and develop services. In Bandon and Kinsale we have the infrastructure needed, but towns like Dunmanway are not able to develop because of lack of  infrastructure.’

He added: ‘West Cork has not seen much growth over the last ten years. Our villages have really been strangled in terms of growth.’

Courtmacsherry is mentioned in the plan variation along with Timoleague, where an extension of its boundary will include a cluster of homes located south of the bridge along the R600. The boundary change means that existing public infrastructure can be used for new housing.

In Dunmanway, significant development is expected but new connections  to its wastewater treatment plant need to show that any discharge into the Bandon River meets wildlife and conservation objectives.

The updated plan provides for around 1,925 acres of additional land zoned for housing across the county, bringing the total to 3,477 acres.

This includes land previously zoned for business and industry, agriculture and green infrastructure.

Deputy Michael Collins (Ind Ire), said: ‘Zoning in small communities is vital if we are to build strong vibrant communities where small sports clubs and other community facilities can thrive and not struggle as is happening now.’

There are some concerns locally that not enough land in West Cork has been zoned for homes. Cllr Danny Collins (Ind Ire), chairperson of the West Cork Municipal District, said: ‘I was disappointed that areas in Bantry were turned down. When developments have gone up in Bantry the houses have been snapped up by young couples and people coming into the area. We need a lot more zoned areas in different parts of the town.’

The variation was adopted after a period of public consultation, resulting in a total of 29 updates.

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) mentioned in the adopted variation include the Bandon River, as well as Glengarriff Harbour and Woodland.

A closer look was also taken at Clonakilty Bay, Roaringwater Bay and the Islands, which could potentially be impacted by new population and housing targets for Skibbereen, Schull, Ballydehob and Baltimore and nearby rural areas.

Increased pressures on water quality with potential impact was identified at Courtmacsherry Estuary, linked to any new targets for Timoleague, Courtmacsherry, Kilbrittain and Shannonvale and nearby rural areas.