Clúid Housing Association and Túath Housing Association have praised Galway City Council for helping to bring about a complex of 26 new homes in Knocknacarra, which were officially unveiled in Knocknacarra this week.
Mayor of Galway city, Cllr Pádraig Conneely switched on the Christmas tree lights yesterday, December 4, at the opening of the new apartment complex in An Leargán, Ballymoneen West, Knocknacarra.
The project is the result of a successful collaboration between the two not-for-profit housing associations and Galway City Council. It became clear that the need for one and two bed units was at an all time high in Galway city, and the lack of suitable units for social housing has been a growing issue in recent years. In response to this, the council held a number of meetings in 2012 to address the need for housing in Galway city which then prompted Túath and Clúid to come forward with a solution. Together they sought funding from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, which then led to the successful purchasing and development of a high standard of affordable accommodation only a year later. Contracts were signed and the units were completed and taken into management by Túath and Clúid at the end of June 2013.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor Conneely said: “I am delighted to stand here today alongside two leading housing associations who have worked tirelessly with my colleagues in Galway City Council to produce 26 apartments of a very high standard.
“An Leargán could not have succeeded without the participation and commitment of all parties to make it work effectively and efficiently. I would see not-for-profit housing associations playing an important role in building sustainable communities and increasing housing provision alongside local authorities in the years ahead.”
The key part of the project’s success was the collaboration of those “who shared a vision for a better future”, according to Clúid’s spokesperson, Fiona Cormican. Ms Cormican further explained: “Together we have combined our visions to change housing for the better and lead the way home for 26 households. I would like to acknowledge Galway City Council for their efforts in facilitating the partnership between Clúid and Túath to provide these homes. Today I am delighted to see 26 households off the housing waiting list and in their new home.
“The bricks and mortar are now in place in An Leargán but bricks and mortar do not make a home. We believe that it is our tenants who create the homes and help to develop the communities. Clúid and Túath entered into this project together and Clúid looks forward to managing the apartment complex side by side and providing the highest housing management service to our tenants. We hope that good quality housing and services enable our new tenants to create a home, a thriving community, and a great place to live.”
Tuath’s spokesperson, Bronagh D’Arcy explained: “More than 3,000 people are waiting for a home in Galway. Meanwhile, capital spending has been cut by around 72 per cent. There is a huge challenge ahead of us but we firmly believe that a partnership approach is key to moving forward and increasing housing provision. Partnership brings with it a range of experience and technical and practical knowledge which is required to meet housing need in such a challenging environment.”
