BAM’s New Road Supporting 2,500 New Homes at Water-Rock Urban Expansion Area in Cork, Officially Opens
BAM’s New Road Supporting 2,500 New Homes at Water-Rock Urban Expansion Area in Cork, Officially Opens
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll and the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD officially opened the €11.7 million critical infrastructure development at Water-Rock near Midleton that will eventually support 2,500 homes, 3 schools, a neighbourhood centre, a railway station and parks.
The works constructed by BAM were funded by the Government’s Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) and Cork County Council. They include 1.7km of link roads, surface water drainage, services, public lighting and landscaping. The design and planning of the infrastructure was completed by AtkinsRéalis.
The road is an important part of the Water-Rock Urban Expansion Area. Planning permission has already been granted for 1,400 residential units and construction of housing along the road has commenced.
Sustainability and biodiversity is at the heart of the project, such as the transplanting of a population of the rare Bee Orchid, the re-use of approved site won material and locally sourced general fill material, reducing the carbon footprint and the use of LED heads for public lighting and for task lighting during the construction phase to minimise energy consumption.
Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director for BAM Ireland said,
“As a purpose-led business, we aim to create a sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of society whilst ensuring that we leave a lasting legacy. We are delighted to deliver this vital infrastructure project that will enable the development of essential housing and commercial premises in the Water-Rock community.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said, “This new road infrastructure will be hugely beneficial for Midleton and East Cork. It opens the available land for much needed housing without burdening existing infrastructure. The construction of housing is underway and eventually there will be 2,500 homes in this area. The infrastructure also supports compact growth and sustainable development. We have wonderful wide footpaths and cycle lanes that are already being used by the local community. In time, there will be parks, schools, a new railway station and a connection to the Cork to Midleton interurban cycleway, all of which will benefit the wider community.”
The road officially opened on Friday 12th July where an official opening ceremony took place. The Water-Rock LIHAF initiative won the award for Best Innovation in Urban Planning at the 2023 LAMA Awards.
