A RECORD 502 keys were issued to tenants of Local Authority, Approved Housing Bodies, Rental Accommodation, and Mortgage to Rent schemes during 2024, according to the Housing Department of Galway County Council.
Over the past twelve months, the number of local authority-owned properties have also exceeded the 3000 mark for the first time ever.
Under the Government’s Housing for All plan, Galway County Council is on track to support the delivery of over 600 new social housing units over the next two years, including local authority construction projects in Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Tuam and Ardrahan in 2025.
Two such local authority social housing projects completed during 2024 were at Pairc na Cille, Weir Rd, Tuam (31 units) and Darach, Ballymoe (8 units).
Galway County Council’s Croí Cónaithe grant scheme is continuing to transform vacant and derelict properties into vibrant homes. In 2024, 465 applications have been received of which 283 have subsequently been approved to enter the Vacancy/Dereliction Activation Programme in Athenry / Oranmore (31), Ballinasloe (60), Connemara (61), Loughrea (71) and Tuam (60) representing a €16 million investment in the local communities.
“Galway County Council is focused on providing security of tenure while addressing homelessness, increasing supply, and making efficient use of existing stock to build sustainable communities across the county,” explained Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council.
“I very much welcome the recent approval by the Elected Members of the Local Authority’s housing borrowing requirements,” he added. “Approval of loans totalling €66.5 million is required to fund critical housing projects and schemes, aimed at addressing housing shortages, promoting affordable and cost rental options, regenerating communities by bringing vacant properties back into use and investing in existing social housing. The borrowing approval will enable Galway County Council to deliver the first affordable cost rental homes and advance three affordable housing schemes in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and Athenry”.
Michael Owens, Director of Housing, Galway County Council stated, “Considerable progress has been made in utilising all housing stock available to Galway County Council. For example, there are currently no vacant available to let properties in our stock with 56 units under offer, repair, derelict or approved for sale”.
“Elsewhere, the first affordable homes to be developed in County Galway since 2013 are nearing completion in Baile Chláir and have been made available for sale, he added. “The highly anticipated Garraí Na Gaoithe development will provide 61 affordable housing units, 17 in early 2025 and 44 additional units later in the year. This is the first turnkey housing scheme to include affordable housing in County Galway under the Government’s Housing for All policy”.
