Concerns raised about the allocation of homes in Galway
Concerns have been raised over a new housing development in Portumna, with members of Galway County Council questioning whether residents of the town will be given priority in the allocation process.
Currently, there are 132 Portumna applicants for the Housing Allocation Scheme, and recent developments between St. Joseph’s Road and St. Briget’s Road will be delivering a total of 49 homes in the coming years.
The latest social housing development on St. Joseph’s Road is situated 300m from the town centre and will consist of ten two-bed homes, 26 three-bed homes, and 2 four-bed units. One of those four-bed units will incorporate elements of Universal Design, with a ground-floor bedroom to enhance accessibility
A key concern raised by the councillors was whether any of these homes could be transitioned into affordable housing. Cllr Jimmy McClearn noted it won’t be long until the council is “back looking” at the issue of affordable housing in Portumna. Cllr McClearn suggested consulting the public to see if there is an “appetite” for affordable housing in the area, “particularly along the town boundary” and “especially where there are a number of 3-bed units”.
One submission on the planning application echoed that call, stating that families are “desperately seeking” larger, affordable homes.
Recent figures show that nearly half of the 132 applicants on the Portumna housing list are seeking one-bedroom homes, while 45 applicants are waiting for three-bedroom homes.
Cllr Ivan Canning, local to Portumna, said his constituents are expressing a need for basic support, rather than fully subsidized housing.
“They want to pay their way, and they will give us no problems after that.
“We have to look after our own first,” he added, “By [the] numbers here, we have a lot of [our own] people who need to fill these houses…and it has to be someone local getting these houses or it will be holy war.”
Damien Mitchell, Director of Housing Services, clarified that the Housing Allocation Scheme dictates how homes are assigned. While the council must “abide” by the scheme and “no special priority” can be granted, he acknowledged “it should be that many of these units go to local people”.
Mr. Mitchell also stated executives will “engage with the department” in relation to the feasibility and viability of the units transitioning to affordable housing.