Construction is due to begin later this month on a €15.1 million social housing development in Tuam which will provide 62 new homes.
Galway County Council has signed the construction contract for the Farrannamartin development on the Galway Road, around one kilometre from the town centre.
The scheme is being funded under the Government’s Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP), with construction expected to be completed in April 2028.
Leas-Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Micheál Regan, said the new homes would benefit both families and the wider Tuam community.
“This development is very much welcomed by elected members and will provide secure, high-quality homes for families and individuals in Tuam,” he said.
“These new residents will become part of the community and help sustain local schools, businesses, clubs and services.”
Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said increasing the supply of social housing remained a priority across the county.
“Galway County Council is continuing to deliver a broad housing programme across the county, with new homes being built alongside the regeneration and improvement of our existing social housing stock,” he said.
“We are working with Government, Approved Housing Bodies and other partners to increase housing supply and support sustainable communities in our towns and villages.”
The development will include one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, made up of houses, apartments and bungalows. A number of the homes will be universally designed or specially adapted to meet the needs of people with different levels of mobility and accessibility.
The 1.87-hectare site will also include a central landscaped park with play facilities, seating and pedestrian paths. Public open space will account for 16% of the site, while new footpaths, landscaped streets and cycle parking will form part of the development.
Director of Services for Housing, Damian Mitchell, said the Farrannamartin scheme would make an important contribution to meeting housing need in Tuam.
“This development will provide secure, high-quality homes which will make a real difference to families and individuals. It is located close to schools, shops and public transport and has been designed with an emphasis on pedestrian safety, accessibility and active travel. Increasing our social housing stock is critical to the future sustainability of towns and villages across County Galway.”
Galway County Council said it is progressing a number of social housing developments across the county, with other schemes recently completed and further projects planned.
The Farrannamartin project is being delivered by OCC Construction.
The design team comprises Collins Rolston Architects and Vincent Hannon Architects, Gilligan & Partners and MFA Consulting Engineers, AH Design and Engineering Design Consultants, and AtkinsRéalis.
