Publican’s bold claim: 7,000 people without new buildings
In a discussion reported by the Irish Examiner, Cork publican Benny McCabe argued that the city could accommodate thousands more residents without constructing new buildings. He said, “we’re left with all these great aspirations to live over stores and down laneways but it never happens due to overbearing regulations and fire laws.” He estimated a rough count showing Cork city could house about 7,000 people by better using existing spaces.
The heart of the idea: living in the spaces we already have
The concept relies on converting upper floors above retail units, lanes, and even underused basements into livable space. It echoes a European pattern where “living over shops” has become part of the urban fabric. The appeal is clear: preserving city center vibrancy, reducing commuting, and making use of existing infrastructure. But the reality involves serious design and safety challenges.
What would need to change
To turn such proposals into reality, property owners and councils would need to address fire safety, means of escape, ventilation, sound insulation, and access. Older buildings may require costly upgrades to meet contemporary standards. Heritage protections, construction costs, and service connections are also part of the equation.
The regulatory landscape in Cork
In Ireland, planning, fire safety, and building codes govern any change of use from commercial to residential. Planning permission, building regs, and sometimes local heritage restrictions can complicate conversions. Cork City Council and national bodies thus play a central role in deciding what density is allowed and how quickly a project can proceed.
Paths forward: what could unlock this potential
Short-term fixes
Streamlining planning processes for low-rise conversions, clarifying fire safety requirements for property owners, and offering incentives for conversions could help unlock unused spaces without sweeping new builds.
Long-term planning
Coherent strategies—such as a Cork city housing plan that prioritizes infill, adaptive reuse, and safe densification—would align regulation with the demand for urban housing. Thoughtful design guidelines can preserve the city’s character while expanding its capacity to house residents.
Conclusion
McCabe’s numbers are provocative, but they highlight a broader truth: cities like Cork have room to grow within their existing footprint if regulation and practice evolve in tandem. The debate is about balancing safety, heritage, and opportunity—questions that will shape Cork’s future housing landscape.
