James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, pictured after turning the first sod in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) alongside Senator Ollie Crowe; Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton; and Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council. Credit Andrew Downes / XPOSURE.
GROUND was officially broken on a €23.6m mixed-tenure housing development in Claregalway (Baile Chláir) by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne (FF).
Led by Galway County Council and supported by the €12m in funding from the Department, the 88-unit scheme is Galway’s first council-led shared equity housing initiative.
It will comprise of a mix of social and affordable units, alongside a crèche, landscaped open spaces, and a community playground on Lakeview Road, and other community amenities. Construction commenced this week and is scheduled for completion by September 2026.
During his visit to Galway on Friday, Minister Browne also opened housing developments in Ardrahan and Tuam, and toured community and transport infrastructure projects in Tuam and Oranmore.
In Ardrahan, the Minister officially opened a 10-unit social housing scheme at Caisleán Raithin which was funded with €3.3m from the Department’s Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP). The Council-led development, located within walking distance of the village centre, includes a mix of single-storey and two-storey homes, designed by OBFA Architects and built by Jada Construction. The Minister today handed over the keys to tenants of the new homes.
In Tuam, the Minister officially opened the 29-unit Pairc na Cille social housing development developed by Galway County Council on Weir Road. Completed in late 2024, it was funded by €8.1m from the Department’s SHIP initiative. The scheme includes a range of one to four-bedroom homes and a sheltered care unit that will be managed by Ability West to provide 24-hour care for people in their own homes. All homes are A2 BER rated and situated close to schools, shops, healthcare services, and public transport.
Minister Browne also visited Tuam Station House, which is being redeveloped by the local authority into an enterprise hub with €6.66 million in funding from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly through the European Regional Development Fund. The local authority-led facility will feature individual workspaces, a podcast studio, café, and multi-use community area.
The Minister inspected ongoing works at Oranmore train station, where a new pedestrian and cycle underpass is currently being installed. This will provide access to a second platform which will commence construction early 2026. A one-kilometre dynamic passing loop will also be constructed which once complete, will significantly increase train frequency in both directions. The project is being led by Galway County Council and supported by almost €10m funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and by the Department of Transport.
Speaking in Baile Chláir, Minister Browne said, “These projects are a clear demonstration of how this Government is actively supporting local authorities such as Galway County Council in delivering a comprehensive programme of investment across housing, transport, and community infrastructure. This work is transforming local areas and laying the foundation for vibrant, sustainable communities”.
“We fully recognise that the delivery of new homes must be matched by the provision of essential infrastructure—enterprise hubs, transport links, and community facilities. When individuals and families receive the keys to their new homes, they need more than just a roof over their heads but they also require transport links, employment opportunities and amenities to create liveable, vibrant communities. From affordable and social housing developments to the vital upgrade works at Tuam and Oranmore train stations, these projects reflect our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. I am proud to witness first-hand the positive impact this investment is having on communities across Galway and beyond,” Minister Browne added.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins (FG) stated, “The Baile Chláir development addresses the strong housing need in the town and the surrounding area. With family-friendly facilities and accessible open spaces, the scheme will create a welcoming environment for residents”.
According to Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, “Galway County Council is delivering a wide-ranging programme of investment in housing, transport, and community infrastructure that’s transforming local areas. From new homes to enterprise and transport hubs, these projects reflect our commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth”.
Commenting on the new housing development under construction in Baile Chláir, Damien Mitchell, Director of Services with Galway County Council, said, “Located within 10 kilometres of Galway City, the Baile Chláir development is in a highly desirable area with schools and essential services close by. As part of the Galway MASP area and within the Gaeltacht, some units will be reserved for those supporting and promoting the Irish language and culture. Completion of the scheme will deliver much-needed, affordable, and high-quality homes for the community”.
