I am delighted to be in Cork today for a number of important engagements. Following our Government meeting this morning, I had the pleasure, amongst many important cultural events, to lay the foundation stone for the new School of Pharmacy in UCC and I will officially launch the Cork Main Drainage Scheme later. The fact that I am attending the launch of so many new infrastructural developments in Cork is indicative of the confidence that exists in this city today. Cork has long since proven itself to be a dynamic city, ready to adapt to the times, yet always careful to preserve a sense of its own identity.
And here at Brideholm, there is real evidence of your drive to meet modern-day living needs, and breathe new life into the north side of Cork city. The location of this development is superb. Its proximity to the recently opened Blackpool shopping centre allows people to live, shop and be entertained in the same area.
I would like to congratulate Coleman Brothers Developments on completing the first phase of this project. Tribute must also go to architects Roddy Hogan and Associates, planning consultants McCutcheon Mulcahy and landscape architects Brady Shipman Martin.
Together, you have built a quality development, with comfort and style that will meet people’s residential needs in this part of Cork city.
I know that 2005 represents a particularly special year for Coleman Brothers. 50 years ago, Michael and Tim Coleman established this firm. Over that time, Coleman Brothers has grown to become one of the largest and most reputable builders in Cork. It is great to see John and Michael continuing on the family legacy today. Indeed your name is now associated with many of the prime residential developments across Cork city and county.
As you are all aware, we have seen a huge demand for housing in this country in recent years. This has been due primarily to record levels of economic growth, alongside significant population increases. Last year, our population surpassed 4 million – the highest level since 1871.
Given these demographic and economic factors, the Government’s focus is on maintaining housing output at a high level. We have successfully promoted measures to boost the overall supply of housing and to modernise the private rented sector. Furthermore, we have developed a range of schemes to meet the needs of those who cannot afford accommodation in the private sector.
As a result, 2004, was the tenth successive year for record house completions in this country. Almost 77,000 houses and apartments were built last year.
Ireland is building houses at a much higher rate than other EU countries. To put the scale of activity in perspective, almost one-third of the country’s homes have been built in the period from 1997 to 2004.
Record levels of funding have also been provided to Local Authorities for their housing programmes in 2005. This year the Government will spend in the order of some €2 billion on social and affordable housing measures. This figures represents double the spend of the year 2000.
Building houses is not just about matching numbers however. Residential developments have a major impact on our cities and towns. They must be planned and developed in order to enhance and maximise use of the built environment.
Given Cork’s status as a gateway under the National Spatial Strategy, long-term sustainable development is critical. Much work has been done in recent times on progressing the city’s gateway status. The Cork Area Strategic Plan, jointly commissioned by Cork City and County Councils, provides a framework to enable Cork to become a major national growth centre. By seeking to promote more sustainable forms of development along key infrastructure routes, the plan recognises Cork city as a growth engine for the region.
In addition, the recently adopted Regional Planning Guidelines recognise the importance of implementing the Cork Area Strategic Plan strategy if Cork is to achieve its full potential.
With all of the projects being undertaken by Coleman Brothers Developments in the Cork city region, you are contributing significantly to the implementation of this area’s regional, city and local development plans. Your work proves how different players, be they in private business, local authorities or central Government, can work together to realise the potential of our many towns and cities.
I wish you every success with the ongoing development of this site.
Thank you.
ENDS