An artist’s impression of the Dunlo Hill development in Ballinasloe. Credit OBFA Architects.
A LANDMARK building in Ballinasloe is set to be transformed to include a new community facility as part of a 16-unit residential housing development in the centre of the East Galway town.
Galway County Council has signed contracts with Clare company Custy Construction Ltd and OBFA Architects for the delivery of the scheme, which is being financed under the Government’s Housing For All programme and directly by the Local Authority.
Work on the Dunlo Hill development includes the renovation and extension of the existing terraced buildings and the conversion of the currently derelict “Dooley’s Pub” from a public house to include a community facility.
The residential housing development comprises 10 two-storey one-bed dwellings, 2 two-storey two-bed dwellings, 1 single-storey one-bed apartment, 1 duplex one-bed apartment, and 2 duplex two-bed apartments (16 no. units in total). The project is scheduled for completion by July 2026.
Councillor Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said “This is a milestone scheme for Galway County Council and the town of Ballinasloe that will bring about the transformation of a derelict site into a vibrant new community space and residential development. With sixteen modern residential units and a restored community facility, this initiative marks a significant step forward in revitalising the town centre while meeting the housing needs of our community”.
Councillor Michael Connolly (FF), Cathaoirleach of the Ballinasloe Municipal District, commented, “The Elected Members are fully supportive of this development as it will inject new life into the Dunlo Hill area of the town by bringing back into use the terraced homes and public house that have been lying vacant for several years. I want to commend the staff of the Galway County Council’s Housing Department for their vision in delivering this badly needed scheme, which will deliver modern housing and revitalise the heart of the town for generations to come”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, explained that the Dunlo Hill development will have a lasting positive impact on Ballinasloe. “The existing buildings at Dunlo Hill have not been in use for some time and have fallen into a state of disrepair,” he explained. “Their renovation, along with the ongoing maintenance of their historic features, ensures their survival into the future and marks a significant local authority-delivered regeneration project for the town”.
Michael Owens, Director of Services for Housing with Galway County Council, explained that the initial construction phase of the development includes the partial demolition of outbuildings and sheds to the rear courtyard areas, and the construction of a new single storey extension to the rear of Dooley’s Pub. He noted that the existing rear courtyard area would be adapted to create a new pedestrian route through the development that will open the project towards the community, while renewable energy design measures will be implemented in the new community facility and housing units.
“The project seeks to bring back to life existing houses which have been unoccupied for a considerable length of time and have fallen into a derelict state,” he added. “The retention of Dooley’s Pub to include a community space will help strengthen the place of this project within the Ballinasloe community,” concluded Mr. Owens.
Stephanie Kelly-Taylor, B.Sc (Arch) M.Arch, OBFA Architects, commented, “OBFA has been designing new homes throughout Ireland for local authorities and housing bodies for 12 years. The design team particularly enjoy a project like Dunlo Hill, which combines adaptive re-use, town centre living, and a mixed-use occupancy. Dooley’s Pub is a beloved Ballinasloe landmark, and the design team was delighted to incorporate part of it for future community and cultural use”.
