Pictured at the contract signing for the construction of 56 homes at Cosmona, Loughrea. Left to Right: Front Row: Brian Fahy VHA & Associates, Damien Mitchell, Director of Services Housing, Liam Conneally, Chief Executive Galway County Council, Cllr. David Collins, Cathaoirleach Galway County, Mr. Colin Higgins, C& N Higgins Construction Ltd, Tom McNamara, Quantity Surveyors. Back Row: Rachel Murtagh, Michael Kerrigan of Galway County Council, Cllr. Laurie Harney, Daithi Flood, Galway County Council, Niall Higgins & Graham Maher, C&N Higgins Construction Ltd, Karen O’Donnell, Galway County Council, Cllr. Michael Regan.
WORKS on one of the largest social and affordable housing schemes in East Galway is to commence before Christmas.
As they signed off on a 14.95 million contract with C&N Higgins Construction for the construction of 56 homes at Cosmona, Loughrea, Galway County Council announced the works would begin prior to the festive period.
The scheme comprises 44 houses and 12 apartments and includes the first affordable homes to be delivered outside the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP). The project is situated on a 3.3-hectare greenfield site owned by Galway County Council, and completion is set for the third quarter of 2027. It is funded through the Government’s Social Housing Investment Programme.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins (FG), said the Loughrea scheme represents a “major step forward” in meeting housing need in East Galway. “This development will provide high-quality homes for families and individuals in Loughrea and will form an important part of the Council’s long-term housing strategy. It is a strong example of sustained investment in our towns and reflects our commitment to increasing supply where it is most needed”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, commented, “Housing remains one of our highest priorities and continues to shape the work agenda of Galway County Council. We are focused on delivering homes in every part of the County and supporting people to live securely and independently in their communities”.
“Our delivery programme is accelerating, and we are working closely with elected members, the Department and our housing partners to ensure that social, affordable and cost rental homes continue to come on stream at scale,” he added. “This investment is essential not only for meeting housing need but for sustaining vibrant, resilient communities across Galway”.
The Loughrea housing scheme, for which Part 8 planning was approved earlier this year, includes 6 two-bed houses, 25 three-bed houses, 2 four-bed houses, 1 five-bed house, 6 one-bed apartments and 6 two-bed apartments. Landscaped open space, a playground, car and bicycle parking and an Uisce Éireann pumping station also form part of the development.
Damien Mitchell, Director of Services with responsibility for Housing, confirmed that a second phase of the project, comprising an additional 24 homes on the same site, has already advanced to Stage 1 approval. “This development in Loughrea is an important step in our ongoing work to increase the delivery of new homes across east Galway. With the support of the Department of Housing through the Social Housing Investment Programme, we can bring forward high-quality housing on council-owned land”.
“Significant progress is being made in addressing the demand for social and affordable housing,” added Mr. Mitchell. “This progress is being reinforced by targeted measures such as the Disabled Persons Grants and our structured, countywide approach to the refurbishment of vacant housing stock”.
The design team for the new scheme is led by consultants Vincent Hannon Architects, along with Tobin Consulting Engineers, Coffey Consulting Engineers and Tom McNamara & Partners.
