The Galway City Council has agreed to raise a loan under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS ) for the acquisition of five properties by Galway Simon Community.
Acting director of services for the city council, Dermot Mahon, told councillors at Monday’s monthly meeting at The Galmont Hotel the loan which amounts to €991,973, will purchases houses which will be used to provide direct tenancy for rough sleepers and those who are availing of private emergency accommodation.
Mr Mahon said; “These are the first units under the Housing First programme. Galway city council is committed to securing 30 housing units for the programme over the next three years, within our own stock and acquired.
“The purpose is to provide direct tenancy for rough sleepers who are in and out of homeless services such as in a hostel or private emergency accommodation. We are looking at repurposing of how we provide supports, particularly homeless single men. We are moving away from hostel support [and hope] over time we will reduce the significant reliance on hostel accommodation.”
The houses are located in An Cimin Mor, Cappagh Road; Gleann na Tra, Sandy Road; Rian Luachra, Ballybane; Cill Ard, Bohermore; and Tur Uisce, Doughiska.
The loan includes purchase price.
