*Pictured at the one-day seminar on affordable housing at the Menlo Park Hotel (l-r) Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council; Louise Esler of Galway City Council’s Housing Department; John Waters of Galway County Council’s Housing Directorate; and Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council. Photograph: Andrew Downes.
SENIOR OFFICIALS from Galway City Council and Galway County Council have met with property developers, planners and key stakeholders to explore opportunities for delivering new affordable housing projects across Galway.
The breakfast briefing at the Menlo Park Hotel highlighted the significance of incorporating affordable housing into the Galway City and Galway County Development Plans and the growing need to a find solutions-based approach to the housing crisis.
The developers in attendance were encouraged to collaborate with the local authorities on future housing schemes and were informed about the latest regulatory frameworks and funding mechanisms supporting affordable housing initiatives.
An affordable housing scheme is where the Local Authority assists a member of the public to purchase a housing unit by purchasing a percentage of the house. Such schemes seek to address the affordability gap that exists when acquiring a home.
Councillor Albert Dolan (FF), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council commented, “Galway, like other counties across the country, has experienced increased demand for affordable housing in recent years. Therefore, the need for key stakeholders to come together to explore innovative strategies for delivering new housing schemes is more important than ever. Improving the working relationship between local authorities and developers is key to increasing Galway’s stock of affordable housing, which in turn will not only assist addressing the housing shortage but will also breathe new life into local communities”.
Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane (FF) said, “The affordable housing crisis is a challenge that local government and developers must tackle together with the support of government. The purpose of this seminar was to demonstrate that working with developers to increase affordable housing options will help us create a more equitable and vibrant Galway for all residents”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council outlined how the demand for affordable housing is growing, and that it would continue to grow. Addressing developers at the seminar, he said, “The rising cost of living means more and more people are being priced out of the housing market. By providing affordable housing, you are not just meeting a current need—you are anticipating future demand”.
“In the first affordable housing development in County Galway since 2012 at Garraí Na Gaoithe in Claregalway, there were over 300 attendees at a public information session in Claregalway Hotel,” he explained. “Within the first three days of the web portal opening, there were 116 applications for the 17 houses available in the first phase of the project. This group of buyers would have been priced out of the private market. In a market where prices are rising, affordable housing gives greater reassurance to financiers as there is a larger pool of buyers that can afford the properties”.
Outlining the benefits for developers in working with local authorities, Mr. Conneally commented, “By making developments available for affordable housing, you open the door to strong partnerships with Galway County Council. We can offer a range of incentives, including advertising for developments, increased number of potential purchasers and funding opportunities,” he added. “Affordable housing developments qualify for grants and subsidies from the government, which can access finance and ensure that your project remains financially viable”.
Addressing the jointly held workshop, Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council said he welcomed the opportunity for Galway City Council, Galway County Council and the private housing development and construction sector to work together in delivering affordable homes in Galway. “The seminar was an opportunity for developers to meet with staff in the local authorities, and to discuss potential projects, with a focus on finding a solutions-based approach to the housing crisis”.
Mr. Cleary continued, “The Government’s National Planning Framework seeks to increase the stock of much-needed affordable homes, while the National Housing Delivery Action Plan incorporates local authority Housing Builds, Turnkey Housing developments and Affordable Housing purchases. Galway City Council’s programme for delivery new housing in line with ‘Housing For All’ targets for Galway also is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Galway Housing Task Force with a particular emphasis on expanding the city’s affordable housing stock”.
