Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne has officially broken ground on a €23.6 million mixed-tenure housing development in Claregalway – and opened housing developments in Ardrahan and Tuam on his whistlestop tour of the county.

The 88-unitClaregalway scheme, led by Galway County Council and supported by €12m funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage marks the county’s first council-led shared equity housing initiative.

It will comprise of a mix of social and affordable units, alongside a crèche, landscaped open spaces, and a community playground on Lakeview Road, and other community amenities. Construction commenced this week and is scheduled for completion by September 2026.

During his visit to Galway, Minister Browne also opened housing developments in Ardrahan and Tuam, and he took in a look at community and transport infrastructure projects in Tuam and Oranmore.

In Ardrahan, the Minister officially opened a ten-unit social housing scheme at Caisleán Raithin which was funded with €3.3m from the Department’s Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP).

The Council-led development, located within walking distance of the village centre, includes a mix of single-storey and two-storey homes, designed by OBFA Architects and built by Jada Construction. The Minister took time to hand over the keys to tenants of the new homes.

In Tuam, the Minister officially opened the 29-unit Pairc na Cille social housing development developed by Galway County Council on Weir Road. Completed in late 2024, it was funded by €8.1m from the Department’s SHIP initiative.

The scheme includes a range of one to four-bedroom homes and a sheltered care unit that will be managed by Ability West to provide 24-hour care for people in their own homes. All homes are A2 BER rated and situated close to schools, shops, healthcare services, and public transport. Minister Browne also visited Tuam Station House, which is being redeveloped by the local authority into an enterprise hub with €6.66 million in funding from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly through the European Regional Development Fund. The local authority-led facility will feature individual workspaces, a podcast studio, café, and multi-use community area.

He inspected ongoing works at Oranmore train station, where a new pedestrian and cycle underpass is currently being installed. This will provide access to a second platform which will commence construction early 2026.

A one-kilometre dynamic passing loop will also be constructed which once complete, will significantly increase train frequency in both directions.

The project is being led by Galway County Council and supported by almost €10m funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and by the Department of Transport.

Minister Browne said that the projects were ‘a clear demonstration of how this Government is actively supporting local authorities such as Galway County Council in delivering a comprehensive programme of investment across housing, transport, and community infrastructure’.

“This work is transforming local areas and laying the foundation for vibrant, sustainable communities,” he said.

“We fully recognise that the delivery of new homes must be matched by the provision of essential infrastructure—enterprise hubs, transport links, and community facilities.

“When individuals and families receive the keys to their new homes, they need more than just a roof over their heads, but they also require transport links, employment opportunities and amenities to create liveable, vibrant communities,” added the Minister.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr David Collins said that the Claregalway development addressed what he called ‘the strong housing need in the town and the surrounding area’.

“With family-friendly facilities and accessible open spaces, the scheme will create a welcoming environment for residents,” he said.

Pictured: Minister James Browne (third from right) at the official opening the 29-unit Pairc na Cille social housing development in Tuam, alongside residents, officials from Galway County Council, and Elected Members.