The first homes to be developed under an affordable housing scheme in Co Galway in more than 10 years are nearing completion. They are being made available for sale by the local authority.
Sixty-one affordable housing units are being delivered in the Garraí Na Gaoithe development on Lakeview Road in Claregalway, ranging from €245,000 to €441,750.
Work on 16 additional homes in the second phase of the development will commence in January and will be delivered in mid-2025 with a further 28 units to be developed in the third phase later next year.
Affordable Housing for Galway
The development is a significant step forward in addressing the growing housing crisis in Galway. The county council has been working hard to increase the supply of affordable housing in recent years. The Garraí Na Gaoithe development is the first of its kind in the county since 2013. The homes are being built to a high standard and are located in a desirable location close to local amenities.
Affordable Housing for Eligible Buyers
The homes are being made available for sale under the Affordable Housing Act 2021. This means that they will be sold at a discounted price to eligible buyers. The homes are also subject to a number of restrictions, such as a resale price cap. The aim of the scheme is to ensure that the homes remain affordable for the long term.
How to Apply
Applications for the homes will be accepted via an online application portal which will go live on October 14th, 2024 at 10am. Applications may be made between October 14th and November 11th, 2024. An information evening on the Garraí Na Gaoithe development will take place in the Claregalway Hotel on Thursday, October 3rd at 7pm.
Significant Interest Expected
The development is within a 10km commute of the city and due to its proximity to local services and schools, the council is “expecting significant interest in the homes”.
Support from Elected Officials
“This first phase of development represents the first affordable homes to be delivered in Galway in 12 years and the elected members and I fully support the work of Galway County Council’s housing directorate to significantly increase the county’s affordable housing stock over the coming months and years,” said Galway County Council chairman, Fianna Fáil Cllr Albert Dolan.
Public Survey to Gauge Interest
The council is also inviting the public to participate in an online survey to gauge interest and preferred locations for affordable homes. This survey will help the council to plan for future affordable housing developments in the county.
Other Affordable Housing Developments
A Strategic Housing Development that will bring 102 housing units to an in-demand area to the east of Galway city will proceed after a three-year legal battle. The housing build on the Old Dublin Road was approved conditionally in 2021, but an appeal was lodged with An Bórd Pleanála that same year. This 2021 appeal was rejected in October that year and the build's conditional approval by Galway City Council was upheld. The plans will see the construction of 102 no. residential units comprised of 35 apartments and 37 houses along with a creche, commercial units and an integrated woodland and parklands areas on the greenfield site. The development, named Rosshill Manor, will cover an 11.6-acre site.
Affordable Housing Still Needed
A meeting at County Hall this week heard there’s still no affordable housing on the horizon for most towns in County Galway. Over the past ten years, Galway County Council hasn’t built any affordable housing – but plans are underway for developments in Claregalway and Athenry. However, there’s nothing planned yet for towns like Ballinasloe, Gort, Loughrea or Tuam. The local authority this month launched an online survey to gauge the level of interest and preferred locations for affordable housing. Sinn Fein Athenry/Oranmore Councillor Louis O’ Hara says it’s unacceptable there’s been no affordable housing built since 2013.
A Step Towards a Brighter Future
The development of affordable housing is a key part of the Government’s “Housing for All” policy. The policy aims to address the housing crisis in Ireland by increasing the supply of affordable housing, making it easier for people to buy or rent a home.
The Garraí Na Gaoithe development is a positive step forward in the right direction. It is a welcome development for those who have been struggling to find affordable housing in Galway.
