Tuath and Cork County Council Break Ground on Bespoke Housing Development 

Macroom, 20 January: Tuath Housing Association, in partnership with Cork County Council, the Department of Housing and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland today marked the official commencement of construction at Clós an tSuláin in Masseytown, Macroom, with a sod-turning ceremony led by the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley.

The new housing development will provide 18 homes (10 two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom), designed to age-friendly standards, plus a standalone, purpose-built five-bed home which will be managed by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland. This project signals Tuath’s commitment to providing inclusive, community-focused housing.

Tuath appointed Cumnor Construction directly to build this housing development, funded via the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and being delivered in partnership with Cork County Council. The new homes will be completed in 2027.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Mayor of Cork County Council, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley said: “It is a privilege as Mayor of the County of Cork to turn the sod on what will be the Clós an tSuláin development for Macroom. Soon, this site will be replaced by 18 much needed social homes for older persons, alongside a 5-bed communal residence for people living with acquired brain injuries to enjoy a high-quality life through their established connections within the community.”

Keith Jones, Director of Service Housing in Cork County Council noted: “ In meeting the challenges of housing supply, Cork County Council has successfully provided homes through a variety of delivery streams across our county, and this is evident today with the beginning of the construction of these new build specialist housing units through the Capital Assistance scheme here in Macroom”.

Dr Karen Foley, CEO of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, noted: “We are excited for construction of the development to begin. Working in partnership with our sister organisation, Anvers Housing, we will provide essential rehabilitation services to those living in this new assisted living home in Macroom. At Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, we support over 1,300 brain injury survivors annually to rebuild their lives and this new service will enable us to reach more survivors living in the South-West of Ireland.”

Mary Rose Callaghan, Director of Housing and Development at Anvers Housing, commented: “Anvers Housing is delighted to work in partnership with Tuath Housing, together with Cork County Council and the Department of Housing, to deliver a fully accessible, purpose-built 5-bedroom property. This project will enhance our range of properties, enabling us to provide a home with support for up to four individuals living with an acquired brain injury within the Cork area.

Angela Murphy, Vice Chair of Tuath’ Voluntary Board of Directors noted: “Tuath have worked with Cork County Council and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland for a number of years to get this project to site.  We are delighted to be working with the contractor Cumnor Construction and the Design Team led by EML architects to deliver this bespoke housing development.  This project demonstrates Tuath’s commitment to delivering diverse housing, that responds to a wide range of housing needs, while working collaboratively with local authorities, community-based organisations and the Department of Housing to support communities across Cork.”