
22/05/2025
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has today turned the sod at Jacobs Island, Cork to formally initiate construction of three new apartment developments by McCarthy Developments and OBR Construction Group for approved housing body Respond.
The Respond Crawford Centre at Jacobs Island is part of a two-phase project, delivering a total of 218 homes. The first phase has delivered 69 social homes, with creche facilities and retail units also completed. The second phase, formally initiated today will deliver 149 cost-rental homes by 2027.
Speaking at the turning of the sod at Jacob’s Island, Managing Director of McCarthy Developments Dr. Tom McCarthy said, “The scale and ambition for Jacob’s Island continues to grow, as we turn the sod on the latest phase of development which will provide 149 homes. With retail units and creche facilities already built, we look forward to developing further amenities at Jacob’s Island including bars and restaurants, a 165 bed hotel and 20,000m2 of office space, making this address one of the most enviable in Cork, and one of the finest places to live, work and play in the Region.”
Respond spokesperson Niamh Randall said, “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 at the Crawford Centre, Jacobs Island and excited for what’s to come.”
“We are delighted to partner again with Respond in the delivery of these much-needed 149 cost-rental homes in Cork. Works will begin immediately with the creation of 150 jobs on site, during this construction phase of development,” said Dan O’Brien, Managing Director of OBR Construction Group.
The Crawford Centre will bring the total number of homes at Jacobs Island to over 600, with a further 250 anticipated in the coming 18 months. Jacob’s Island is evolving one of Cork’s newest suburbs with the potential for 5,000 people living here. With its waterfront walkways and ample recreational space, easy access to major retail parks and several significant employers as well as superlative public transport and immediate connectivity to Cork’s motorway network, Jacob’s Island is truly a great place to live, work and play.