Doyle Shipping Group to refurbish Passage West homes for contractor use

Doyle Shipping Group (DSG) is set to restore six long-derelict homes on Dock Terrace, Passage West, Cork, transforming them into modern accommodation for its contractor workforce.

The project forms part of DSG’s broader operational strategy and addresses a growing challenge in securing medium-term housing for site staff.

The properties, unoccupied for over 20 years, have been a notable eyesore along the dockyard road. DSG purchased the wider Passage West dockyard site in 2015 for €2.75 million, which supports bulk and break-bulk cargo handling as well as ancillary industrial activities in Munster. The refurbishment will integrate the homes back into productive use while enhancing the streetscape.

Cork-based Kumry Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the project, which will include complete internal refurbishment, re-roofing, new window installations, and the reconfiguration of each house into a four-bedroom unit with shared living, kitchen, and dining areas. The terrace sits within an architectural conservation zone, and works are scheduled to begin before the end of 2025, with completion expected within 12 months. Ownership of the terrace will remain with DSG.

John Stoat, Operations Manager at DSG, highlighted the dual benefits of the project: addressing the company’s accommodation needs and revitalising a historic row of homes. “This refurbishment project will enhance the streetscape and bring these buildings back into productive use,” he said.

The Dock Terrace initiative follows a broader trend among high-profile employers in Ireland acquiring or refurbishing homes to support workforce housing. Ryanair, for example, has purchased around 50 homes for cabin crew near Dublin Airport, while Musgrave also provides rented staff accommodation.

See how Doyle Shipping Group is reinvigorating historical properties and supporting contractor operations in the full report.