County Galway’s first affordable homes since 2013 nearing completion

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:32:00 BST

The first affordable homes to be developed in County Galway since 2013 are nearing completion in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and will be made available for sale by Galway County Council.

61 affordable housing units are being delivered in the Garraí Na Gaoithe development, which is the first turnkey housing scheme to include affordable housing in County Galway under the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ policy.

17 units, including 2 two-bedroom, 9 three-bedroom and 6 four-bedroom houses, are being delivered in the soon-to-be-completed first phase of the development.

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.

Located on the Lakeview Road, the housing scheme also features a crèche and is located close to local amenities in Baile Chláir.

Councillor Albert Dolan, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “These new housing units will be welcomed by those first-time and other eligible buyers who cannot afford to purchase a home on the open market. 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 to work of Galway County Council’s Housing Directorate to significantly increase the county’s affordable housing stock over the coming months and years.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “Garraí Na Gaoithe is in the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) area is situated within a 10km commute to Galway City. Due to the development’s proximity to local services and schools, we are expecting significant interest in the homes that will be welcoming their new owners in January.”

Michael Owens, Director of Services for Housing said the 17 new homes at Garraí na Gaoithe are being made available for sale by Galway County Council under the affordable purchase arrangements under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and Associated Affordable Housing Regulations.

“Applications will be accepted via an online application portal which will go live on 14th October, 2024 at 10.00am. Applications may be made between October 14^th and November 11^th, 2024,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Owens has reminded the public that Galway County Council is inviting the public to participate in an online survey as part of its efforts to establish the level of interest and preferred locations in County Galway for affordable homes.

“The survey at www.galway.ie/affordablesurvey is specifically aimed at people who feel they may be eligible to acquire or rent an affordable home from the Local Authority. The feedback gathered from the 5-minute survey will inform our delivery of Affordable Housing in the county. The information we are looking for includes the numbers of people/households interested in affordable housing, family size, the type of housing/accommodation required, house prices that people might be able to afford, and preferred locations.”

An information evening on the Garraí Na Gaoithe development will take place in the Claregalway Hotel on Thursday October 3^rd at 7:00pm.

Further information on the Garraí Na Gaoithe scheme, including the Scheme of Priority, link to the application form, and support documentation required is available at www.galway.ie/affordable.