Local charities Galway Simon Community, COPE Galway, Threshold and No. 4 Youth Service have united this week in a call on Government and Galway City Council to urgently increase Galway City’s social housing supply.
Their call for action follows a recent report by the Parliamentary Budget Office, which reveals that - at the end of 2023 -Galway City had the highest social housing need in Ireland, with 11.8% of households experiencing ongoing need for social housing. This figure is almost double the national average of 6.3%.
The report highlights a dire situation where nearly one in eight households in Galway City is eligible for social housing but it is not being provided. To address this severe shortfall, the report indicates that a 97% increase in social housing stock—almost doubling the current supply—is required.
The local charities emphasise that the escalating costs of new rental tenancies and the severe shortage of affordable rental properties exacerbate the housing crisis. They stress that increasing the delivery of social housing is critical to alleviating the current need and preventing future homelessness.
Commenting on the recently published report, Karen Golden of Galway Simon Community said, this report points to the stark situation with regard to the availability of social housing for those who have an ongoing need.
“We have to remember that behind these numbers are men, women and children whose lives are being impacted through the lack of availability of affordable accommodation.”
Martin O’ Connor of COPE Galway – said that social housing is essential not only to meet current needs but also to prevent others from having to endure homelessness in the future. The shortage of social housing in Galway City is contributing to a precarious situation where so many often find themselves vulnerable to becoming homeless. Unfortunately, all too often families and individuals who do become homeless remain living in emergency accommodation for extended periods.”
Emma Keane, Threshold Services Manager West & Mid-West, said that Galway City Council - like so many other local authorities - has been under pressure to catch up on housing output since the crash and more recently the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As a city attempting to cater to residents, students and tourists alike, Galway is coming under severe housing strain. Based on the estimates by the Parliamentary Budget Office, the city council will go some way to meeting the city’s ongoing housing need, if successful in delivering on its 2025 targets. However, additional measures, such as tackling the unlawful short-term rentals and addressing vacancy in the city would ensure an increase in housing availability in the city.”
Natalie Coen of No.4 Youth Service added that young people, from all backgrounds, are finding themselves at risk of homelessness.
“With the severe lack of affordable housing in the City, they are finding it particularly challenging to find a home. When young adults become homeless, it can have an extremely negative impact on their wellbeing. Accessing and maintaining training, education or employment is difficult without a secure base. Things can spiral very quickly, and the impact of homelessness can last a lifetime,” she said.
This latest report reinforces the picture of the chronic shortage of social housing available in the City, at a time when house prices and rents in private rented accommodation are at record levels. Increasing numbers of people are experiencing and at risk of homelessness.
The latest figures published by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, report 600 people staying in Emergency Accommodation in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon at the end of July, a 5.8% increase on the same month last year.
The local charities are urging the Government and City Council to prioritise and accelerate the development of social housing to address this critical issue and provide relief to those affected.
