The national awards, run by the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH ), celebrate innovation and sustainability in public and community housing. This year's shortlist includes 31 projects nationwide competing across eight categories, along with a Public Choice Award open to a national vote.
Tobar Mhuire has been nominated in the Small Regeneration Project category. Once a 1970s estate marked by ageing facades, overgrown spaces and concrete barriers, the area has been comprehensively upgraded into a modern, resident-focused neighbourhood. Judges commended the project for meeting all four of the ICSH's core criteria: context, usability, management, and sustainability.
The visual transformation of Tobar Mhuire has been highlighted as a strong example of how local authorities can deliver high-quality homes by reusing and regenerating existing housing stock. The scheme reflects Galway County Council's wider strategy to accelerate housing delivery by focusing on regeneration, particularly while larger-scale infrastructure projects remain in development.
Also representing Galway at the awards is Sómas, a housing-with-supports initiative delivered by Galway Simon Community, shortlisted in a separate category.
ICSH CEO Donal McManus said the Public Choice Award gives communities the chance to support projects that are making a visible difference: "It is an opportunity for communities to get behind local teams and show pride in their neighbourhoods. We work with people who create homes every day and make a lasting positive impact."
Now in its 10th year, the Community Housing Awards is sponsored by IPB Insurance, which describes the programme as a celebration of "social, affordable and sustainable community housing," highlighting collaboration between local authorities, housing bodies and state agencies.
