A new 84-home social housing scheme in Knocknacarra is expected to be ready for occupation by the end of 2027.

Galway City Council has announced that the contract for the development of the new scheme, named ‘Fána an tSrutháin’, at Ballyburke, has been awarded to OCC Construction.

The project involves the design and build of 84 residential units together with a new central community/neighbourhood plaza area, local centre units, a café and crèche facility as well as a landscaped amphitheatre.

The development, located off the Ballymoneen Road, forms part of Galway City Council’s Housing For All Action Plan and will include the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

MMC is used to describe a range of offsite manufacturing and innovative onsite techniques that provide alternatives to traditional construction techniques. The National Housing for All Policy identified MMC as one of the innovative developments that should be encouraged in the delivery of housing.

The scheme, which was designed and brought through the Part 8 Planning process by the Galway City Architects Department, is made up of 71 apartments across four blocks and 13 terraced family units.

Of the apartments, 40% are designed as age friendly / universal design units which will be located adjacent to the local centre services proposed.

Speaking at the contract signing, Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council said he was delighted to see the scheme reach this important milestone.

“This project will provide much needed housing units in an efficient manner, enhance infrastructure, and improve facilities for residents in the area,” he added.

The contract for the Design and Build of the new development was signed in City Hall on Monday, appointing OCC Construction to deliver the project. The Technical Advisor team for Galway City Council will be led by van Dijk Architects, and Galway City Council’s Housing Capital Section will manage the project.

Works on site will commence in the coming weeks and it is anticipated that the development will be completed in late 2027.

This brings to 1,120 the number of social housing units to be delivered in Galway City in the period 2022-2027, with more in development.

Pictured: Fána an tSrutháin will consist of 71 apartments across four blocks and 13 terraced family units.