North East Galway projects would unlock lands for over 2,500 new homes
FOUR projects with the potential to deliver more than 2,500 homes in Tuam, Athenry and Claregalway have been included in a new €862million housing infrastructure scheme.
These four Galway County Council projects have been included in the newly launched Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF), and have each been allocated a funding parcel of almost €10million.
The project in Tuam is a signalised junction and pedestrian crossing at Sun Street which has the potential to unlock approximately 400 new homes for delivery.
In Athenry, projects on the Northern Relief Road and the Raheen Road could see the building of up to 1,600 homes, while a new junction in Claregalway will create access to lands for the construction of approximately 600 homes.
Galway County Council have had a total of six projects selected for what is the first round of the HIIF and the City Council have had three projects. In total, these nine projects have the potential to directly or indirectly unlock more than 17,000 homes and help address the housing demands throughout the city and county.
“These projects will provide the roads, junctions, drainage and utility infrastructure needed to unlock housing opportunities across Galway and allow communities to grow in a planned and sustainable way,” said Junior Transport Minister Seán Canney.
"Importantly, these projects will work alongside major investment already planned by Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks and other infrastructure providers to ensure that housing, water, energy and transport infrastructure are developed in a coordinated way."
Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East Albert Dolan said the inclusion of the projects in towns such as Tuam and Athenry in the new scheme would facilitate the delivery of thousands of much-needed homes across the county.
“Too often, development is delayed because the necessary infrastructure is not in place. By investing in roads, junctions and utility networks now, we are creating the conditions necessary to deliver new homes and support the sustainable growth of our towns,” the Fianna Fáil TD said.
Sinn Féin TD for Galway East Louis O’Hara welcomed the commitment for funding for the Northern Relief Road in Athenry.
“This section of the road is a key piece of infrastructure for the town's future development and will be vital for taking traffic out of the town centre and reducing congestion,” said Deputy O’Hara.
"These projects represent practical, targeted investments that will make a real difference," stated Fine Gael's Galway East TD, Pete Roche.
"While much work remains to be done to address our housing challenges, today's announcement is a very positive step forward for East Galway and for the many individuals and families hoping to access housing in the years ahead," he added.
Deputy Roche acknowledged the work of local authorities, Government departments and infrastructure providers involved in bringing the projects forward.