Tuath Housing to Pioneer Galway's First Cost Rental Homes

Tuath Housing today announced a groundbreaking development that will introduce Galway’s first cost rental homes.

In collaboration with Galway City Council, the Housing Finance Agency (HFA), the Housing Agency, and the Department of Housing, this significant initiative underscores Tuath’s commitment to providing sustainable and affordable housing solutions across the country.

The Clai Mór development, comprising a total of 102 homes, is being constructed through modern methods of construction, utilising a prefabricated steel modular system designed and manufactured offsite. It represents a pivotal step towards addressing the housing needs of the people of Galway City. The diverse housing mix will include 28 cost rental homes, 33 CAS (Capital Assistance Scheme) homes, and 41 CALF (Capital Advance Leasing Facility) funded homes.

Tuath Housing works closely with local authorities and government agencies to deliver high-quality, affordable housing solutions across Ireland. The collaboration with Galway City Council, the HFA, the Housing Agency, and the Department of Housing exemplifies Tuath’s dedication to fostering partnerships that make a meaningful impact on communities.

Tuath Housing manages over 12,600 homes nationwide, accommodating more than 30,000 people. Tuath Housing’s dedicated office in Galway, staffed with a team of committed professionals, oversee all properties in the city and county areas, reflecting the association’s local approach to community development. Currently managing 275 homes in Galway, Tuath Housing continues to expand its footprint in the region.

This announcement follows Tuath’s successful delivery of over 370 cost rental homes, with an additional 1,500 homes in the pipeline. Tuath remains steadfast in its mission to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable housing options for communities throughout Ireland.

Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “This is a very exciting day for Galway, breaking ground on the City’s first affordable cost rental homes.  Cost Rental is a new form of tenure in Ireland and it is key to addressing the affordability and security challenges faced by renters. The homes we’re delivering are at rates which are a minimum 25% below local market rates and are long-term secure rentals. We now have a healthy pipeline of affordable cost rental homes across the country and I want to thank Galway City Council, Tuath and our State Agency partners for bringing this much needed development to fruition.”

Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Eddie Hoare said: “This is a very positive development that will provide a further supply of social homes in Galway City. The development mix is really important too, with 28 Cost Rental homes, 41 CALF homes and 33 CAS homes included. The Cost Rental model is a very attractive option and I’m delighted to see a cost rental element included. I’d like to wish the team at OCC Construction the very best with the project and look forward to seeing families being allocated to these properties in the near future.”

Patricia Philbin, Interim Chief Executive of Galway City Council commented: “Galway City Council are delighted to be in a position to support the Approved Housing Body, Tuath, to deliver a high quality sustainable, inclusive community at Clai Mór on the Monivea Road, which includes a mix of social housing, as well as housing for specific categories of need, including for age-friendly housing and for persons with a disability and for the first time, affordable rented accommodation to people on middle incomes. This is in line with our Housing Delivery Action Plan, which sets out how Galway City Council and Approved Housing Bodies will provide new social and affordable housing options through direct build as well as turnkey and Part V arrangements to meet the targets in Housing For All.”

Barry O’Leary, CEO of the Housing Finance Agency said: “HFA customers like Tuath Housing have been working incredibly hard in recent years to boost Ireland’s supply of housing and we are glad to support this vital delivery of homes with long-term financing. We’re particularly proud to have facilitated Tuath’s delivery of the first cost rental homes in Galway. This is an important tenure of housing, providing secure homes for middle-income households who may struggle in the traditional rental market.”

Bronagh D’Arcy, Deputy CEO at Tuath Housing noted: “We are pleased to be at the forefront of delivering Galway’s first cost rental homes, in partnership with Galway City Council, the HFA, the Housing Agency, and the Department of Housing.  This development is a testament to our commitment to creating sustainable and affordable housing solutions that positively impact the lives of individuals and families.”