Ballinasloe Town Centre to Get Major Revamp with Housing and Community Space
**No repro fee** Galway County Council signs a contract with Custy Construction Ltd and OBFA Architects for the delivery of the Dunlo Hill project in Ballinasloe. (L-R) Linda Lydon (Executive Technician, Galway County Council), Cllr Dr Evelyn Francis Parsons; Kevin Gociu (OBFA Architects), Michael Owens (Director of Services for Housing, Galway County Council); Ciaran O'Brien (OBFA Architects); Cathaoirleach Martina Kinane; Alan Brogan (Galway County Council); Dermot Custy (Custy Construction Ltd.); Stephanie Kelly-Taylor (OBFA Architects) Ballinasloe MD Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael Connolly, and Cllr Alan Harney. Credit Gerry Stronge
A long-vacant site in Ballinasloe town centre is set for transformation as part of a new housing and community development spearheaded by Galway County Council.
The project, located at Dunlo Hill, will see the renovation and extension of existing terraced buildings, including the conversion of the derelict Dooley’s Pub into a community facility. A total of 16 residential units will be constructed under the scheme, funded by the Government’s Housing For All programme and Galway County Council.
The housing development will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes, ranging from two-storey houses to apartments and duplexes. Construction has been contracted to Custy Construction Ltd, with OBFA Architects leading the design. Completion is expected by July 2026.
Local officials have hailed the project as a key step in revitalising Ballinasloe’s town centre. Councillor Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, described the development as a “milestone” that will “bring about the transformation of a derelict site into a vibrant new community space and residential development.”
Councillor Michael Connolly, Cathaoirleach of the Ballinasloe Municipal District, praised the initiative for “injecting new life” into the area by restoring long-vacant buildings. Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, emphasized the project’s role in preserving historic features while delivering much-needed modern housing.
Construction work will involve partial demolition of outbuildings, a new single-storey extension at the rear of Dooley’s Pub, and the creation of a pedestrian route linking the site to the community. Renewable energy features will also be incorporated into the new homes and community facility.
Michael Owens, Director of Services for Housing with Galway County Council, highlighted the project’s goal of bringing vacant homes back to life while maintaining their historical significance. “The retention of Dooley’s Pub as a community space will help strengthen the connection of this development to the Ballinasloe community,” he said.
OBFA Architects, which has worked on social housing projects across Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the mix of town-centre living and adaptive reuse that the Dunlo Hill project represents.
With construction now set to begin, Ballinasloe residents can look forward to a renewed town centre that blends modern housing with preserved local heritage.
