Senior Planning and Infrastructure Staff in Galway City Council and representatives of Construction Industry Federation (CIF) met last week as a proactive engagement, to strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors in delivering much-needed housing units across Galway City.
This collaboration is a key part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to meeting the Government’s Housing for All targets and addressing the growing demand for quality housing in the city.
The meeting provided an open forum for discussion on challenges and opportunities in housing delivery, including assisting in new own-build developments, acquisitions, and the repurposing of vacant and neglected properties to tackle dereliction across the city.
Through this continued structured engagement process, the Council will work closely with industry stakeholders to streamline processes and provide clarity with regard to delivery and funding mechanisms, ensuring a coordinated approach to increasing housing supply.
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council commented, “Galway City Council recognises that meaningful engagement with the private sector, with a uniform approach to barriers, is essential to meeting housing needs effectively. Galway City Council’s focus is on fostering strong working relationships with the construction sector to ensure that we can collectively address the challenges of housing supply. This approach ensures that the Council remains actively engaged with those shaping the future of Galway’s housing and development landscape.”
Justin Molloy, CIF Director stated that, “To enhance the delivery of new homes in Galway city, it is essential for the CIF and Galway City Council to work together in pinpointing the barriers obstructing housing development and to present recommendations to the Government for the actions needed to resolve these challenges.”
Recently, public and private collaboration in Galway City has resulted in affordable housing units in Garraí na Sáií, demonstrating the potential opportunities resulting from engagement.
Further engagement meetings are planned.