Cork Council Greenlights Major Apartment Development on Dunbar Street

A significant development has been approved by Cork City Council, allowing for a new apartment complex on Dunbar Street, located just off George’s Quay in South Parish. Developer Denis McBarron has received conditional permission to demolish existing structures and construct a five-story residential building featuring 16 apartments. This project is set to enhance the area’s appeal, particularly as investment continues in the nearby quayside regeneration.

The site is situated behind the well-regarded Izz Café, which has undergone alterations to merge two ground-floor units into a single restaurant. These changes were made under the oversight of heritage protections as the café is classified as a Protected Structure. The council’s approval for McBarron’s apartment project marks a shift from previous plans that aimed to develop a mixed-use office, retail, and residential block, which ultimately did not materialize.

Transforming Cork’s City Centre

The new residential building is strategically positioned across the River Lee from what is anticipated to become one of Cork’s most desirable locations for city centre living. This transformation is a direct result of the ongoing multi-million euro regeneration project of the quays, which includes the Morrison’s Island Public Realm and Flood Defence scheme. This initiative aims to create a vibrant public plaza, a pedestrian walkway along the river, and an updated streetscape, revitalizing the once-neglected quayside.

In addition to McBarron’s project, planning permission has been granted to convert the historic Number 7 Mathew Quay, a Georgian property dating back to the 1800s, into modern residential units. The property, which has served as office space in recent years, will now feature one one-bedroom apartment and three two-bedroom apartments, along with communal areas for residents. This renovation is part of a broader effort to breathe new life into the area, which includes several Protected Structures.

Investment and Future Prospects

The surrounding neighborhood is also seeing increased interest from residential developers, particularly with the ongoing renovations and improvements to the public realm. Next to Number 7, Number 6 is currently occupied by offices, while a ten-bay, six-story warehouse at Parliament Bridge has remained vacant for years. Previous plans for the warehouse included a proposal for a boutique hotel in 2008, which received council approval but never progressed.

The influx of investment into the public spaces along the street has sparked renewed interest in developing city centre riverside living in Cork. As the area continues to evolve, it is expected that more projects like McBarron’s will emerge, contributing to a vibrant urban landscape that attracts both residents and visitors alike.