Objectors’ claims of a lack of demand for housing in a North Galway village have been refuted by a local councillor who said that there were young couples crying out to get onto the property ladder

Cllr Declan Geraghty accepted that there was truth to claims of vacant houses in Williamstown – but he insisted that there are “underlying issues” as to why this is the case.

He said that he was hopeful than a planning application for the provision of 15 new homes would be granted over the coming days as there was a demand locally for them.

However, when the planning application came before Galway County Council for the small housing development, objectors stated that there was no demand for housing in the village – and that permission should be refused on this basis.

Cllr Geraghty said that this was not the case and that every application had to be treated on its own merits. He added that making references to other vacant properties in Williamstown required research and clarification.

HF Contracts are looking to build 15 new homes at a site beside the existing Bealach na Ceartan estate, Ballyroe, Williamstown.

While 15 homes might seem like a modest development, those objecting said that it was 15 homes too many, because there’s no demand for housing in Williamstown at all.

They pointed to 14 vacant homes in nearby Loch na Corra whichhas been described as a “ghost estate”.

A stark lack of services in the area are also highlighted by those opposed to the development such as no local GP, no childcare, no public transport and no full-time Gardai.

But Cllr Geraghty pointed out that there was a locum GP service in the area; there is public transport passing through the village and there is also a Garda presence.

“It is a great community through the church and local voluntary groups and we just want to see it expanded. It is a great place to live and there is demand for new housing,” the independent councillor added.

Those opposed to the development stated that is one access point to the estate which is intended to be used by all heavy machinery during construction.

“For current residents with small children who play on the green space, this causes a safety risk and impact on the quality of life.

“With a proposed number of additional car parking spaces to be provided, this is an indication of the expected traffic increase – post construction. This will mean a considerable reduction in road safety within the estate.

“Furthermore, whilst we acknowledge that there is a current housing crisis nationally, it is evident with the number of vacant houses in Williamstown, that it is not a demand in this area, contrary to the report.

“We are aware that Galway County Council forfeited the opportunity to purchase the houses of Loch Na Corra, an estate which has been vacant for years. Their decision not to take over these premises is a reflection on the demand in the area.

The possibility that our estate would too, be left vacant concerns us as this would impact on the character of the estate,” it was stated in the submissions to Galway County Council.

Pictured: Cllr Declan Geraghty…housing call