Galway secures funding to potentially unlock lands for over 17,000 homes
Approved projects under the most recent Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund could open the fast lane to build over 17,000 homes in Galway.
In tandem with the National Development Plan and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) funds foundational infrastructure projects.
The €1bn HIIF is expected to play a key role in the Government’s lofty target of delivering 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030.
The Housing, Local Government and Heritage minister accepted 82 of the 138 total applications received nationally.
Galway City Council and Galway County Council applied for funding, and nine projects were awarded. The projects are expected to begin between this year and 2027, and be fully complete by 2028.
Three infrastructure projects to upgrade wastewater facilities, roads, and power stations were approved for Galway City. Provision of these upgrades would be included in the preparation for the future implementation of the Galway City Ring Road.
The projects submitted by Galway City Council will have the potential to unlock more than 12,000 homes, directly and indirectly.
A €6.5 million project for Ardaun, a new urban area, will see a trenchless crossing under the N67 which will connect to existing infrastructure at Sraith Fhada in Doughiska, and South Ardaun lands awaiting development.
Roads are at the focus of the two alternative projects approved for Castlegar and Sandy Road.
Tuam Road in Castelgar will see new junctions added and the undergrounding of ESB power lines, while Bóthar an Choiste is expected to have over 500m of road upgrades to connect with a 168-home development.
Regeneration at Sandy Road was approved as a partnership with the LDA and will undergo a realignment including a new junction to Sean Mulvoy Road near Bohermore.
Junction upgrades on Sun Street in Tuam and George Street in Gort are among the projects approved for County Galway.
A new foul and storm water drainage network, footpaths, and road reinstatement for Raheen Road in Athenry joins the approval of the Athenry Northern Relief Road.
The relief road will be fully funded, and will also include a bridge link at the Athenry rail line.
In total, six county projects were approved and span Gort, Claregalway, Tuam, Athenry, and the county-side of Bearna. It will make provision for over 3,500 homes.
This article was amended on July 15 to correct the location of the Athenry Northern Relief Road.