Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
191. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding an application made by Galway County Council to the housing activation office in respect of the next section of the Athenry Ring Road; the progress from his Department to Galway County Council in respect of the Athenry Ring Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49963/26]
View answerIn 21 January 2026, the Government launched the €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) to support investment in housing enabling public infrastructure.
The Fund is managed by the Housing Activation Office in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
A total of 138 applications were received in response to the first call for applications under this new fund from 30 Local Authorities and the Land Development Agency.
Following a detailed assessment process, 82 projects have now been approved for inclusion in the HIIF programme under Call 1.
A full list of projects accepted to the HIIF programme can be accessed at the following link: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/9d47d273/Housing_Infrastructure_Investment_Fund_Call_1_-_List_of_Projects.pdf
The Athenry Northern Relief Road is included in the list of projects accepted onto the HIIF programme. This project relates to Section 3 of the Athenry Northern Relief Road and comprises approximately 1 kilometre of road and a rail overbridge to directly service 800 housing units in Ballydavid.
Galway County Council have already secured planning permission for the project and the Housing Activation Office will work with Galway County Council and other relevant stakeholders to support the timely progression of this important housing enabling infrastructure project.
