The government has come under criticism for "failing" the young people of Galway over a lack of affordable housing in the county.

This comes after a €84 million funding package was announced yesterday, 06 June, to develop affordable homes across the country.

A development in Galway secured funds under the programme, which will bring 30 new affordable units to Raheen in Athenry.

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Anne Rabbitte cautiously welcomed the funding but reaffirmed it "does not go far enough".

She said: "The government have failed young people who, in many cases, want to purchase their own home to start a family, provide themselves with an independent living space. It has been a natural progression for previous generations but now it is an unattainable ambition for many in Galway.  

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"Yesterday the government announced funding for affordable homes. Galway County Council is included in this funding and it is expected to deliver 30 affordable units. This is a welcome start but these units are all going to be in Raheen in Athenry, which means all other towns across East Galway are being ignored. What about the likes of Tuam, Gort, Loughrea, Portumna and so on? This does not go far enough.

"The local authority should make the provision of affordable housing a key priority over the next five years. The government also needs to provide the council with additional resources from a design and admin perspective so they can bolster their applications to the Department of Housing.

"I will be engaging with Galway County Council, along with my Fianna Fáil council colleagues to push hard for an affordable housing strategy at local level. I have met with constituents trapped in this housing crisis and the sense of hopelessness is heightening," concluded Deputy Rabbitte.

(CM/JG)