Construction Set to Begin on 124 New Homes in Douglas Village

Development is set to commence on 124 new homes at the last remaining greenfield site in Douglas village, following the finalization of a land deal valued at approximately €5 million. Scheduled to begin in June 2024, the project at Barry’s Field has received approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála and is being developed by Tom Murray/Barry’s Field Ltd.

Details of the Housing Development

The new residential scheme will be named Cluain Barra, which translates to Barry’s Meadow in Irish, honoring the Barry family who owned the land for over 150 years. The development will feature a mix of housing units, including 64 two-bedroom apartments, 50 one-bedroom apartments, and 10 three-bedroom units, of which three will be designed as townhouses.

The residential units will range in size from 51 sq m to 105 sq m. Plans also include the potential for a street-level café and two office units. The apartment blocks will reflect the area’s ecclesiastical heritage, with names such as The Spires, The Priory, and The Abbey.

Murray expressed his ambition to deliver a “quality development” and aims for completion within the next 20 months to two years. He emphasized the prime location, stating, “You couldn’t get a better location,” highlighting that he had been monitoring the site for some time.

Past Proposals and Future Prospects

Previously, discount food retailer Lidl had expressed interest in the 1.04-hectare (2.57-acre) site, but their application for a store was rejected by the planning board in 2018. Murray’s proposal faced scrutiny as well, but ultimately received approval, positioning him favorably in the competitive landscape of urban development.

Murray anticipates that the project will attract downsizers and first-time buyers alike, particularly due to its proximity to Douglas village. The development will also incorporate a number of penthouses, and all but the ground-floor apartments will feature balconies. Alongside these amenities, there will be pedestrian connections to both Old Carrigaline Road and Churchyard Lane, enhancing accessibility with public walkways and open spaces.

News of the Barry’s Field development coincides with plans from O’Callaghan Properties (OCP) to initiate enabling works on a 119-unit project on one of the last substantial greenfield sites in the city, located on nearby South Douglas Road. This initiative, a joint venture with the Whitaker family-owned motor dealership Johnson & Perrott, falls under the banner of Ballincurrig Developments. The first 39 homes in this development, known as Bridlewood, are expected to launch in the third quarter of this year, with residents anticipated to move in within approximately two years.

The 1.98-hectare (5-acre) site was historically used for crop cultivation until recently. The Cork City Development Plan describes Barry’s Field as an “underutilized infill site,” indicating its potential to spur further development in the area.

The successful commencement of these housing projects marks a significant step for Douglas village, addressing the growing demand for residential spaces while paying homage to the site’s historical significance.