Galway City Housing Crisis to Be Addressed at Online Meeting

A public meeting on Facebook Live this evening, Monday, June 14th, will address concerns regarding the housing and accommodation crisis in Galway City.

The meeting has been called by City Councillor Niall McNelis, with Karina Timothy of Threshold and Labour housing spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan also set to take part.

The issues addressed will include the city's growing number of homeless, and those in danger of losing their homes; the lengthy public housing waiting lists; and the shortage of student accommodation, with a projected shortfall of 3,000 bed spaces for third level students in the city.

Addressing the issues arising from Galway City's rapidly growing population, McNelis said "Galway is expected to grow 45% in the next decade. We already have significant pressure on housing supply, with demand out-stripping supply. It is important that the council play a proactive and significant role in providing additional capacity, as well as fostering development of high-quality accommodation sufficient to meet demand. This must include strategies that address the scandal of hoarding, without proceeding to actual construction, of sites approved for housing."

McNelis also made mention of the specific challenges faced by the Travelling community and those in Direct Provision. "We need to work in partnership with our Traveller community to provide culturally appropriate solutions, and to end the system of direct provision, to ensure all children in our city can grow up with safety and dignity." The Councillor instead it was vital to "build communities, not just units."

The meeting can be joined at 7pm on Facebook Live at Facebook.com/nmcnelisgalway