44 affordable homes are under construction in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) and are being made available for sale by Galway County Council.
The homes are amongst 61-housing units 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.
The units also are amongst the first affordable homes to be developed in County Galway since 2013.
Applications for the 44 units, which comprise 2 two-bed, 27 three-bed and 15 four-bed houses, will be accepted via an online application portal from Monday 24th February 2025 at 10:00am until the deadline of Monday 17th March 2025 at 5:00pm. All applications will be initially prioritised in order of date and time received.
A ‘drop in’ information evening on the development and the application process will take place in the Claregalway Hotel on Thursday, February 13th 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Located on the Lakeview Road, the Garraí Na Gaoithe scheme also features a crèche and is located close to local amenities in Baile Chláir.
Councillor Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said, “I very much welcome the meaningful steps being taken by the Local Authority, with the support of Elected Members, to address the housing needs of families across County Galway. The Garraí Na Gaoithe homes demonstrate Galway County Council’s commitment to creating sustainable, family-friendly developments that are situated close to local amenities and help to inject new life into the communities in which they are located.”
According to Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, “The first phase of the development attracted significant interest when they were placed for sale by Galway County Council. More than 300 people attended a public information session while there were 116 applications for the 17 houses available in the first phase of the project within the first three days of the web portal opening. We are expecting similar, significant interest in this second phase of the development.”
Michael Owens, Director of Housing for Galway County Council outlined how the demand for affordable housing in County Galway is growing, and that it would continue to grow.
“The rising cost of living means an increasing number of people are being priced out of the housing market. Significant progress is being made in County Galway however,” he explained.
Mr. Owens continued, “Last November, Elected Members approved loans totalling €66.5 million to fund critical housing projects and schemes, which will not only help us to meet current housing needs but also will work toward meeting future demand. Galway County Council, in partnership with Galway City Council, also is continuing to engage with property developers, planners and key stakeholders to explore opportunities for delivering new affordable housing projects across Galway.”
Galway County Council has placed the 44 affordable homes at Garraí Na Gaoithe for sale under the affordable purchase arrangements included in the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and Associated Affordable Housing Regulations.
Further Information on the scheme, including the Scheme of Priority, link to the application form, and support documentation required, is available at www.galway.ie/affordable. All applications will be initially prioritised in order of date
