Cork County Council has launched its first Cost Rental scheme which aims to provide affordable rented accommodation to people on middle incomes. Applications for the new two, three and four bed houses at An Cnocan, Milleencoola, Bantry will open at 12 noon on Monday the 14th of October 2024. 

The scheme is aimed at people who do not own a home and are above the threshold for social housing but have difficulty affording private rented accommodation. Cost Rental provides a secure tenancy at a rent which is below the market rent in the local area and is a long-term secure rental option. 

The development of 10 newly built, A-rated, family homes is located in a much sought-after residential location in Bantry. The rent for the 10 houses, made up of 8 two-bedroom, one three-bedroom and one four-bedroom properties, is at least 25% below private market rents in the area.  

Houses will be allocated on a lottery basis to applicants who have submitted all the required documents and who are deemed eligible for the scheme. Renters will enter a tenancy arrangement with Cork County Council.    

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll said:

“Cork County Council is delighted to announce the launch of this Cost Rental Scheme in Bantry.   The development at An Cnocan offers high-quality, affordable rental homes in an exclusive development within walking distance to the town centre.  This new scheme, demonstrates the work that Cork County Council is doing to achieve the housing targets set by government.” 

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell added:

“Cost Rental homes offer security of tenure and are a long term, affordable rental option. Bantry is the first scheme in County Cork and further Cost Rental schemes will open in Midleton and Bandon in the next number of months, followed by schemes in other towns in 2025 and beyond. These houses will provide a further supply of high-quality homes for eligible applicants in County Cork and assist in meeting our housing targets.” 

Applications for the scheme will be accepted between 12 noon on the 14th of October 2024 and 12 noon on the 28th of October 2024 via the online application portal on Cork County Council’s website www.corkcoco.ie  

Further information on this scheme and other upcoming schemes, including the eligibility criteria, guide to making an application and documentation required is also available on the website.