A first-time buyer in Galway claims she had to compete with the local authority’s bottomless cheque book to buy a city apartment.

It was the practice that Galway City Council would ‘step back’ from purchasing property that first-time buyers were interested in.

Councillors had been assured at meetings that the local authority would not hinder first-time buyers when it was purchasing individual properties for social housing.

But one first-time buyer from North Galway said she ended up competing with the City Council for a house in Castlegar.

She said it was unfair that the local authority has endless resources to bid.

A City Council spokesperson, in a statement to the Tribune, insisted its policy was to allow first-time buyers purchase property ahead of the Council.

“It is the Council’s position that if the local authority becomes aware of another interested party, be that first time buyer or another interested party, the Council immediately withdraw from the process,” she said.

“This is in line with the principles that underpin the purchase of units for social housing needs, where the acquisition of dwellings by local authorities should not unduly impact on the private housing market.”

But this North Galway woman said she discovered the other bidder for the home she wanted was the City Council.

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