Two vacant sites near the heart of Tuam will be converted into accommodation units to shelter the homeless over the worst of cold weather.

Galway County Council is planning for the two terraced dwellings to accommodate eight people over the winter period, stretching from October to April.

Ciara McDonagh, Executive Architect with Galway County Council, said that the facility would provide three separate own-door units for the eventual occupants.

The two terraced units, one three storey and the other two storey, will be provided at derelict sites on Vicar Street in Tuam – just a couple of hundred yards from a local town centre hotel which has been transformed into accommodation for asylum seekers in recent years.

The existing site has a three-storey building, which once housed a business establishment but has since fallen into a serious state of disrepair.

The other part of the site contained a two-storey former residential property which has now been demolished due to its poor structural condition.

Ms McDonagh explained that the sites were acquired by Galway County Council in late 2024 and received funding from the Department of Housing for their redevelopment.

She said that it is proposed to provide three separate own door units for the purposes of Medium Term Support with accommodation for eight people.

Two units will be provided for male clients and one for female. All rooms will be single, en-suite rooms with shared living accommodation provided in each unit.

It is proposed to provide ten beds and four bathrooms for the purposes of cold weather accommodation together with an apartment for use by a vulnerable couple.

This facility will be in operation for six months of the year from October to April. All units have been designed for future conversion, if required, to seven individual apartments in compliance with Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage standards.

Cllr Donagh Killilea (FF) said that the sites had been derelict for more than four years and he welcomed the fact that they would be transformed into living accommodation for those who need it most.

He said that those seeking shelter often had to go into Galway city to avail of accommodation and that this would provide a local alternative.

According to Cllr Shaun Cunniffe (Ind), he would be insisting that the local council would be provided with information regarding who would be accommodated in these units.

He acknowledged that a lot of effort would be put in to providing this accommodation and was anxious to know who will be administrating the project.

Cllr Karey McHugh (Ind) also agreed that the properties on Vicar Street had been vacant for a considerable time, and it was great that they would be brought back into use.

Pictured: WHAT IT WILL BE . . . An artist’s impression of the new Vicar Street, Tuam sites.

The tranquil setting of Tuam’s public park could be eroded if any further developments are allowed to take place by the owners Galway County Council.

That’s according to residents who have used the Palace Grounds over the years – but who now claim that the twelve-acre facility is becoming “a multi-use municipal compound”.

A deputation to Tuam Municipal Council heard that, back in the late 18th century, the Palace Grounds comprised around 60 acres of parkland but once Galway County Council took it over, much of the land was handed over for housing, educational facilities among other projects.

Regular users of the facilities, Helen Gillard and Steve Lane told officials and elected members that they represent the community of ordinary park users.

These include walkers, joggers, childminders, dog exercisers along with people pushing buggies or simply meeting up to chat with friends or seeking a quiet hour in a green space both during and after work.

They pointed to concern and a growing unease that something very valuable to the local Tuam community was being slowly eroded.

However, praised the great work going on in the park and they spoke highly of maintenance work, the mowing of the green area and the cleaning and clearing.

“The response to the devastation of Storm Eowyn, which brought down over 100 mature trees in the Palace Grounds, was outstanding.

“The Council’s teams acted with speed and skill and have restored much of the beauty in the Palace Grounds. In truth, the devastation and clean-up reminded us just how important this park is and how much we rely on the workers there to help it thrive,” they stated in their submission.

But Mr Lane and Ms Gillard informed the meeting that, over time, the Palace Grounds had evolved as a place to local public facilities such as a swimming pool, large surface car park, a bus park, children’s playground,   a dog park and recycling facilities.

They said that over the years several other proposals were suggested and “thankfully deflected” such as a running track, astro-turf pitch, a community centre and even a proposal for routing an inner relief road through the park.

“The people of the town recognised that some things didn’t belong there and maybe now is the time to start drawing lines before the whole place becomes recognisable.

“The most common use of the park is not sport. It is walking and people come here to slow down, reflect, regulate and connect.”

The deputation asked the Tuam Municipal Council not to embark on more development, but for an emphasis to be made on maintaining the park as it is and to secure the necessary funding to achieve this.

Pictured: Tuam local campaigner Steve Lane at The Palace Grounds in Tuam. Photo: Jacinta Fahy Photography.

Toyota Ireland has announced a new three-year partnership with The Camogie Association and GAA/GPA which sees Toyota become the Official Car Partner to these sporting organisations. The partnership is the latest in a long history of Toyota investing in and supporting Irish sport and athletes spanning Gaelic games, athletics, para-sport, rugby and cricket and at every level including men’s, women’s, grassroots, elite, able bodied and disability.

As part of the partnership, Dublin Camogie captain Aisling Maher and Galway footballer John Maher have been named as official Toyota ambassadors and will drive the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which combines innovative design, style, Toyota’s cutting-edge hybrid technology and with reduced carbon emissions, it offers a smooth, low-emission driving experience – the perfect companion for winding down after training or a hard-fought match.

Commenting on the announcement, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland, said: “Toyota has a proud history of supporting sport and athletes at both local and international levels. This new partnership is an investment in our national games and the inter-county players who are the heartbeat of the sport and role models for young children across the country. By supporting The Camogie Association, the GAA / GPA and our new ambassadors Aisling and John, we aim to deepen our connection with communities nationwide. Many of our Toyota dealerships already support their local GAA clubs, and this partnership builds on that grassroots commitment.

It also reflects our belief in ‘Built for a Better World’ and by promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and supporting future generations through sport, we’re continuing our mission to improve lives and lead with purpose.”

Brian Molloy, President of The Camogie Association, added: “Having Toyota on board as a partner is a strong endorsement of the growing profile and significance of Camogie. We welcome Toyota’s support as we continue to develop and promote the game at every level.”

Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Toyota as Official Car Partner. Toyota has supported the GAA for generations, and their continued commitment to Gaelic games is a testament to the strong bond they share with our communities. Their focus on sustainability and community mirrors our own values, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring to Gaelic games across the country.”

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA: “This partnership with Toyota represents a meaningful investment into the GPA and will strengthen our ability to support inter-county players the length and breadth of the country. It’s great to have a brand like Toyota who recognise the unique role GPA members, both male and female, play in Irish society, on board.”

Pictured: In attendance during the Toyota & GAA / GPA and Camogie Association Partnership Launch at Croke Park in Dublin are Toyota GAA ambassadors, from left, Dublin intercounty Camogie player Aisling Maher and Galway intercounty footballer John Maher. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
SPONSORED CONTENT