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Infrastructure › Galway

Can it be built in Galway?

Water, electricity, planning and housing starts in Galway, from the operators' own registers.

In Galway, 3 of 36 settlements have no spare wastewater capacity and 2 have limited capacity; 19 of 34 substations show no spare demand capacity; 1,548 homes were started in the past 12 months (5.6 per 1,000 people).

19th of 26 by share of settlements at red7th of 26 by share of constrained substations10th of 26 by homes started per 1,000 people
Wastewater3 red · 2 amberof 36 settlements; 6 with upgrades planned or underwayElectricity56% constrained19 of 34 substations with no spare demand capacityPlanning, 12 months2,346 applications1,057 homes granted · refusal rate 17.1%Homes started, 12 months1,548+51.6% on the year · 5.6 per 1,000 peopleMedian home price€392k2,557 sales in 12 months

Wastewater capacity

Northern IrelandCarlowCavanClareCorkDonegalDublinGalwayKerryKildareKilkennyLaoisLeitrimLimerickLongfordLouthMayoMeathMonaghanOffalyRoscommonSligoTipperaryWaterfordWestmeathWexfordWicklowAhascragh (Galway): Spare capacityAn Spidéal (Galway): Spare capacityBaile Chláir (Galway): Spare capacityBallinasloe (Galway): Spare capacityBallygar (Galway): Spare capacity · upgrade planned or underwayBallymoe (Galway): Spare capacity · upgrade planned or underwayBearna (Galway): Spare capacityClifden (Galway): Spare capacityDunmore (Galway): Spare capacityEyrecourt (Galway): Spare capacity · upgrade planned or underwayGort (Galway): Spare capacityHeadford (Galway): Spare capacityKilkerrin (Galway): Spare capacityKillimor (Galway): Spare capacityKinvara (Galway): Spare capacityLetterfrack (Galway): Spare capacityMaigh Cuilinn (Galway): Spare capacityMilltown (Galway): Spare capacityMount Bellew (Galway): Spare capacity · upgrade planned or underwayMoylough (Galway): Spare capacityNewbridge (Galway): Spare capacityOranmore (Galway): Spare capacityOughterard (Galway): Spare capacityPortumna (Galway): Spare capacityTuam (Galway): Spare capacityWilliamstown (Galway): Spare capacityWoodford (Galway): Spare capacityAthenry (Galway): Limited capacityLoughrea (Galway): Limited capacityAn Cheathrú Rua (Galway): No spare capacity · upgrade planned or underwayGlenamaddy (Galway): No spare capacityRoundstone (Galway): No spare capacity · upgrade planned or underway
SettlementPlantCapacityUpgrade
An Cheathrú Rua‐RedYes
GlenamaddyGlenamaddy WWTPRed
Roundstone‐RedYes
AthenryAthenry WWTPAmber
LoughreaLoughrea WWTPAmber
AhascraghAhascraghGreen
An Spidéal‐Green
Baile ChláirClaregalway WWTPGreen
BallinasloeBallinasloe WWTPGreen
BallygarBallygar WWTPGreenYes
BallymoeBallymoe WWTPGreenYes
BearnaMutton Island WWTPGreen
ClifdenClifden WWTPGreen
ClonburClonbur WWTPGreen
DunmoreDunmore WWTPGreen
EyrecourtEyrecourt WWTPGreenYes
Galway City and SuburbsMutton Island WWTPGreen
GortGort WWTPGreen
HeadfordHeadford WWTPGreen
KilkerrinKilkerrin WWTPGreen
KillimorKillimor WWTPGreen
Kilronan CottagesKilronan Cottages WWTPGreen
KinvaraKinvara WWTPGreen
LeenaneLeenane WWTPGreen
LetterfrackLetterfrack WWTPGreen
Maigh CuilinnMoycullen WWTPGreen
MilltownMilltown WWTPGreen
Mount BellewMountbellew WWTPGreenYes
MoyloughMoylough WWTPGreen
NewbridgeNewbridge WWTPGreen
OranmoreMutton Island WWTPGreen
OughterardOughterard WWTPGreen
PortumnaPortumna WWTPGreen
TuamTuam WWTPGreen
WilliamstownWilliamstown WWTPGreen
WoodfordWoodford WWTPGreen

Electricity substations

Northern IrelandCarlowCavanClareCorkDonegalDublinGalwayKerryKildareKilkennyLaoisLeitrimLimerickLongfordLouthMayoMeathMonaghanOffalyRoscommonSligoTipperaryWaterfordWestmeathWexfordWicklowATHENRY (142000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityATHENRY (142000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityBALLINASLOE (118000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityBALLYGAR (324000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityCLAREGALWAY (251000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityCREAGH (519000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityGALWAY 110KV (679000) 110 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityGALWAY 110KV (679000) 110 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityGLENAMADDY (526000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityGORT (038000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityHEADFORD (527000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityHEADFORD ROAD (262000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityKILCOLGAN (084000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityLOUGHREA (132000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityMONEENAGEISHA (039000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityORANMORE (487000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityPARKMORE (551000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityTUAM NORTH (253000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityTUAM SOUTH (040000) 38 kV STATION: no spare demand capacityBALLYCROSSAUN (250000) 38 kV STATION: 1.3 MVA availableCARRAROE (475000) 38 kV STATION: 0.4 MVA availableCLIFDEN (252000) 38 kV STATION: 1.3 MVA availableCLOON (907000) 110 kV STATION: 10.7 MVA availableCLOON (907000) 110 kV STATION: 10.8 MVA availableCURRA (528000) 38 kV STATION: 1.6 MVA availableOUGHTERARD (444000) 38 kV STATION: 6.5 MVA availableRECESS (581000) 38 kV STATION: 2.8 MVA availableSALTHILL (161000) 110 kV STATION: 44.9 MVA availableSALTHILL (161000) 110 kV STATION: 11.0 MVA availableSCREEB (366000) 110 kV STATION: 1.5 MVA availableSCREEB (366000) 110 kV STATION: 6.9 MVA availableSOMERSET (716000) 110 kV STATION: 2.0 MVA availableSPIDDAL (443000) 38 kV STATION: 4.5 MVA availableTRIMMS LANE (427000) 38 kV STATION: 3.5 MVA available
Spare demand capacityNone
SubstationClassDemand MVAGen MW
ATHENRY (142000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.05.1
ATHENRY (142000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.07.5
BALLINASLOE (118000) 38 kV STATIONMV2.06.5
BALLYGAR (324000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.02.8
CLAREGALWAY (251000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.02.8
CREAGH (519000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.00.6
GALWAY 110KV (679000) 110 kV STATIONMV0.026.6
GALWAY 110KV (679000) 110 kV STATION38 kV0.050.3
GLENAMADDY (526000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.00.0
GORT (038000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.02.7
HEADFORD (527000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.00.0
HEADFORD ROAD (262000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.013.7
KILCOLGAN (084000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.02.7
LOUGHREA (132000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.00.3
MONEENAGEISHA (039000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.014.3
ORANMORE (487000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.011.4
PARKMORE (551000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.08.2
TUAM NORTH (253000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.04.9
TUAM SOUTH (040000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.05.8
BALLYCROSSAUN (250000) 38 kV STATIONMV1.32.3
CARRAROE (475000) 38 kV STATIONMV0.41.5
CLIFDEN (252000) 38 kV STATIONMV1.35.9
CLOON (907000) 110 kV STATIONMV10.70.5
CLOON (907000) 110 kV STATION38 kV10.89.1
CURRA (528000) 38 kV STATIONMV1.63.8
OUGHTERARD (444000) 38 kV STATIONMV6.54.1
RECESS (581000) 38 kV STATIONMV2.84.4
SALTHILL (161000) 110 kV STATION38 kV44.913.8
SALTHILL (161000) 110 kV STATIONMV11.036.8
SCREEB (366000) 110 kV STATIONMV1.54.6
SCREEB (366000) 110 kV STATION38 kV6.921.4
SOMERSET (716000) 110 kV STATION38 kV2.06.8
SPIDDAL (443000) 38 kV STATIONMV4.51.7
TRIMMS LANE (427000) 38 kV STATIONMV3.513.3

Planning

Applications lodged in Galway, data to 30 Oct 2026. Median decision time 55 days.

01k2k3k2021: 54754720212022: 2.5k2.5k20222023: 2k2k20232024: 2.1k2.1k20242025: 2.3k2.3k20252026: 1.9k1.9k2026

By town (within ~3 km)

TownApplications (12m)Homes grantedOne-off houses
Rahoon70350
Castlegar60142
Knocknacarra571572
Tuam55144
Oranmore48255
Salthill45290
Barna42203
Athenry39224
Oughterard31186
Clarinbridge28123
Doughiska2870
Headford2752
Kinvara26101
An Cheathrú Rua2244
Ballinasloe2232
Clifden2161
Gort20141
Turloughmore20112
Ballinderreen1882
Craughwell1673
Kilcolgan1661
Monivea1653
Peterswell1691
Corrandulla1545
Dunmore1551
Ballygar1423
Renvyle1474
Milltown1352
Glinsk1240
Portumna1220
Ahascragh1031
Ardrahan1033
Cleggan1031
Kilkerrin933
Killimor951
Annaghdown840
Caherlistrane821
Eyrecourt822
Glenamaddy820
Moylough842

Large schemes (50+ homes)

85 homes · Tuam Road , Castlegar , GalwayPending

Permission for development which consists of: We, Cairn Homes Properties Ltd, intend to apply for Permission for development at this site (c. 3.93 ha.) Tuam Road, Castlegar, Galway. The development will consist of: 1. The demolition of the existing structures on site (c. 707.61 sq. m). 2. Construction of 85 no. residential units across 8,738 sq. m. gross internal floor area (GIA) comprising of: a.

ref 2660301 · lodged 19 Aug 2026 · council file
133 homes · Lands at Rahoon , Knocknacarra , GalwayGranted

Permission for development which consists of: notice for a Large-Scale Residential Development Application to Galway City Council. We, Kingston Stables Limited, intend to apply for permission for development of a Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) for a 10-year planning permission, on a site which extends to 2.9 ha on lands located at Rahoon, Knocknacarra, Galway. The application is being m

ref 2660282 · lodged 5 Aug 2026 · council file
168 homes · Bóthar an Chóiste , in the townlands of Castlegar and Ballinfoil , GalwayGranted

Permission for development which consists of: We, Lock House Developments Limited (the applicant), intend to apply to Galway City Council for permission for a Large-Scale Residential Development. The site extends to 4.626 ha on lands located to the north of Bóthar an Chóiste (also known as Bóthar na Cóiste), in the townlands of Castlegar and Ballinfoil (also known as Ballinfoile), Galway. The appl

ref 2560148 · lodged 19 May 2025 · council file

Housing starts

0200400600800Oct 2021Oct 2022Oct 2023Oct 2024Oct 2025Sep 202682

Public projects in Galway

ProjectStageCostDepartment
AuriGen Solution for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Towards safe and effective off the shelf cellular therapy for cancer5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
BioHealx5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
ARDENT II5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Galway North E.T. National School - 20211B5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Education
Presentation College, Athenry - 62870G5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Education
Gairmscoil Mhuire, Athenry - 71270G5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Education
Atlantic Technological University (Galway) STEM building4. Implementation–Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
University of Galway Learning Commons2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Athenry/Bia Innovator4. Implementation–Galway County Council
Kinvara Boardwalk and Walkway5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Galway County Council
Dunmore Regeneration4. Implementation–Galway County Council
Tuam Regeneration Strategy5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Galway County Council
Regeneration Loughrea, Breaking Through4. Implementation–Galway County Council
Regeneration of Galway City Inner Harbour5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Galway Harbour Company
Garda Divisional Headquarters (Galway)5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–An Garda Síochána
Galway Emergency Department and Ward Block1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Department of Health
Portiuncula University Hospital Ward Block5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
Tuam Primary Care Centre5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
University College Hospital Galway, Radiation Oncology Unit5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
Galway City Wastewater Network1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Uisce Éireann
Terryland Water Treatment Plant1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Uisce Éireann
Nun's Island Masterplanning5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)
Galway City Ring Road1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Department of Transport
N59 Moycullen Bypass5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Transport
PPP: N17/N18 Gort-Tuam5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Transport
GTeic Hub An Spidéal5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Údarás na Gaeltachta
Tullycross Residential Education Centre2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Western Development Commission
Caireal Mor, Castlegar Road, Galway5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Ballymoneen Road (Phase 2)5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Ballyburke5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Tullahill, Loghrea5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Gilmartin Road, Tuam5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Clifden Town Centre4. Implementation–Galway County Council
Portumna Vision 20304. Implementation–Galway County Council
Ionad Pobail Inis Meáin5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Aras Mhuire Community Nursing Unit, Tuam5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
Tuam Community Nursing Unit5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
Aras McDara Community Nursing Unit, Carraroe5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
Áras Ronáin Community Nursing Unit, Aran Islands1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Department of Health
St Annes Community Nursing Unit, Clifden3. Post – Tender - Final Business Case–Department of Health
Merlin Park Hospital - Units 5 and 61. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Department of Health
Letteragh Road, Rahoon, Galway City5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Riveroaks, Claregalway, Co Galway5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Gaelcarrig, Letteragh, Galway City5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Gort Lowlands Flood Relief Scheme1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Galway County Council
Merlin Park University Hospital, Theatre Block5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
PolyValve4. Implementation–Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Portumna Courthouse4. Implementation–Galway County Council
Smart-Cardio - a paradigm shift in Cardiac Arrythmia Treatment5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
University Hospital Galway, Blood Science Project5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
University Hospital Galway, Cardiac Cath Laboratory - Phase 14. Implementation–Department of Health
Cycling and Walking4. Implementation–Galway City Council
Transport Connectivity Project4. Implementation–Galway City Council
Oranmore Railway Station2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Galway County Council
Ardaun Upgrade of Martin Roundabout5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Galway City Council
Sandy Road Liosbán5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Galway City Council
Galway Public Spaces and Streets Project1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Galway City Council
Innovation and Creativity District2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Galway City Council
Gort Inse Guaire2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Galway County Council
National Parks - Location #5 of 8 - Derrycrag Nature Reserve5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Ireland’s National Parks - Location #4 of 6 - Connemara5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Connemara Greenway - Clifden to Recess2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Department of Transport
National Cycle Network - Galway to Athlone Cycleway (Part of the Maynooth to Galway Greenway)2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Department of Transport
Connemara Greenway- Galway to Moycullen (Oughterard)2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Department of Transport
Connemara Greenway - Derrygimlagh - Clifden - Kylemore Abbey2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Department of Transport
University Hospital Galway Development1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Department of Health
Elective Capacity Galway1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Department of Health
University Hospital Galway4. Implementation–Department of Health
University Hospital Galway - Interim ED5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
Merlin Park University Hospital5. Post Completion Review and Benefits Realisation–Department of Health
Merlin Park University Hospital Surgical Hub1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Department of Health
BioVas4. Implementation–Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
DIGISTENT4. Implementation–Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Future Living Lab (TSSPF)2. Pre- Tender - Project Design. Planning and Procurement Strategy–Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Balgaddy Road, Tuam1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme1. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Office of Public Works
Merlin Park University Hospital Phase 21. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case–Department of Health
HUB 04 - Galway City, Knocknacarra3. Post – Tender - Final Business Case–Department of Health
Rosedale Special School, Renmore 20070J4. Implementation–Department of Education

Keep exploring

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Sources: Uisce Éireann capacity registers; ESB Networks capacity heatmap; National Planning Application Database; DHLGH commencement notices; NDP construction pipeline. Registers are indicative, not connection offers.