West Cork is facing a serious housing crisis, particularly for low-income single people, couples and single parents, who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market. Cork County Council has estimated that 48% of residents cannot afford to buy on the open market, and supply of Council housing is not enough to meet this demand. Recent cuts implemented in Rent Supplement, which restrict access by new households to this safety net, will make matters worse. 

Ireland is also facing serious penalties from the European Union for its failure to reduce rising levels of CO2 gas, and inefficient domestic heating is one of the main contributors to this. Our Projects are also aimed at encouraging renewable energy use and energy efficiency into social house building, as well as meeting local housing needs. Carbery Housing Association was set up in September 2001 on the initiative of residents in Baltimore who could not afford to rent or buy a house in their local village where most of them work.  Through local fund-raising, a non-profit company was registered, charitable status was obtained with the Inland Revenue, and approved voluntary housing body status with the Department of Environment and Local Government. 

Carbery Housing Association has worked to develop social and affordable housing projects in the region. We have done this by negotiating with landowners and estate agents for suitable sites, with the County and Town Councils for land from their land banks and by making specific development proposals and planning applications. 

We have supported this endeavour by securing funding from the European Commission for projects aimed at developing use of renewable energy sources in social housing, and at promoting a more sustainable and integrated approach to social housing development.   

Carbery Housing Association has supported its work through grant applications and fund-raising initiatives, which rely on the good will of members and supporters. This is an ongoing task.  

Carbery has also agreed allocation, housing management and community development proposals and guidelines for its proposed housing projects.  

We have also piloted a Vocational Training Course in Sustainable Project Development and Construction, together with West Cork Vocational Education Council. 


The best way to get involved is to join as a Member. We also welcome applications for housing from persons unable to buy or rent on the open market that support our approach.