An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted planning permission for a development of 219 cost rental and social homes on the Dyke Road, just outside Galway city centre.
Announced this week, the permission will allow for the construction of the first phase of a new suburban development, to be known as Corrib Causeway: Tóchar na Coiribe.
The project will transform approximately 1.87 hectares of land, owned by Galway City Council, into a new mixed-use neighbourhood alongside commercial, civic and cultural amenities.
The Land Development Agency (LDA ) and Galway City Council have welcomed the decision.
Cost rental and social homes will be available across 109 one-bed, 100 two-bed and 10 three-bed apartments, with buildings in the development ranging in height from five to nine storeys.
The plans also include a crèche, car and bicycle parking, as well as communal open spaces, playgrounds and new landscaping along Dyke Road.
The longer-term plan for the development includes new cycleways and walkways, green spaces and improved transport connections to surrounding amenities including Terryland Forest Park and Galway Shopping Centre.
With planning permission now secured, the project will move to the detailed design and procurement stage, with construction likely to commence in 2027.
This marks the latest step in the LDA’s ongoing positive progress in Galway, with the Agency set to deliver the first of 345 homes at Crown Square by the end of 2026. A planning application has also been submitted for 356 homes at Amharc Atalia, Galway Port.
The agency is also working in partnership with Galway City Council on a longer-term plan to transform land surrounding Sandy Road into a new urban quarter, with the potential for 750 affordable and social homes.
“Securing planning permission for Dyke Road is a major step towards delivering much-needed affordable homes in Galway,” said Phelim O’Neill, director of development with the Land Development Agency. “This is a complex and challenging site and highlights the LDA’s ability to find solutions to accelerate housing delivery.
“The Dyke Road project will see the regeneration of a centrally located site into a new neighbourhood with high-quality homes and amenities for the community.
“We will now bring this development forward to detailed design and construction stages to deliver new quality homes to new residents.’
Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard, also welcomed this week’s announcement, and commended the partnership approach between the LDA and the local authority on the Dyke Road site. “I look forward to 219 new homes close to the city centre,” the Mayor said.
Leonard Cleary, chief executive of Galway City Council, said the local authority had prioritised housing in the Dyke Road project.
“This site will soon become a lively, sustainable community featuring high-quality homes and improved local amenities,” he added. “This is more than just housing – it’s an opportunity to reinvigorate the area and create new communities where people can lay down roots in a great location, close to Galway city centre.”
