Galway housing boost? Good news on the water front for Craughwell and Clarinbridge

After years of delays, there are fresh signs of movement on the wastewater schemes that could unlock housing in Craughwell and Clarinbridge.

Published 17th Jul 2026, 12:01 BST Connacht Tribune After years of delays, there are fresh signs of movement on the wastewater schemes that could unlock housing in Craughwell and Clarinbridge. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Galway County Council has agreed to explore funding options for the stalled wastewater schemes in both villages - despite officials warning the local authority cannot afford to contribute to the estimated €30 million projects.

Uisce Éireann has said they hope to have a consultant engineer in place by September 2026 “to lead on this” as both projects will move forward as part of a single national programme.

The next stage will be design and the appointment of a contractor.

“It is hoped that we can progress the projects in a more streamlined manner from the perspective of design, permitting and contracting.,” said a spokesperson for the water utility.

“We will continue to work closely with the Local Authorities throughout the programme.”

In a report to elected members, officials recommended that the Government fully fund the schemes.

READ NEXT: A decade after tragedy, Co Galway's Kilmeen Cross Action Group want answers

They said the council is not in a position to make an estimated €2.6 million contribution and could face potential financial exposure of up to €5 million, depending on the final cost and scope of the projects.

"The council is not currently in a position to confirm a local authority contribution," the report stated.

"The council's position is that the scheme should be 100% grant funded."

While officials recommended supporting the schemes in principle, they said further clarity was needed.

The report also noted there is no guaranteed income stream to repay any borrowing the council might undertake.

My confidence in the Government's commitment to addressing the housing crisis has been diminished.

It comes as transition arrangements between local authorities and Uisce Éireann are due to end later this year.

The projects are being progressed under Measure A8 of the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme, which supports villages without access to public wastewater services.

In a statement to the Connacht Tribune, a representative for Uisce Éireann said;

“Measure A8 of the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme relates to wastewater collection and treatment needs for villages and settlements currently without access to public wastewater services. Craughwell and Clarinbridge are both classed as Measure A8 settlements.

“Uisce Éireann recently met with the Directors of Services of Local Authorities in which Measure A8 sites are located. At this meeting, an agreement was reached to move ahead with the Measure A8 projects as one comprehensive programme.”

Last month, councillors backed a request from Cllr Martina Kinane (FF) to explore all funding mechanisms and not to close the door on any potential for investment.

They agreed that the council would explore all funding options, including borrowing if necessary, once a formal agreement is reached with Uisce Éireann and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the funding, delivery and handover arrangements.

The projects were announced in 2023 by then Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien and were hailed as a major step towards removing one of the biggest barriers to housing development in Craughwell and Clarinbridge.

READ NEXT: 'Temporary' helipad becomes permanent as Galway Council backs Shantalla Park sale to HSE

Speaking after her motion was agreed, Cllr Kinane said that Galway County Council should not be expected to carry out the work of Uisce Éireann.

"I took no pleasure in saying at last month's plenary meeting that my confidence in the Government's commitment to addressing the housing crisis has been diminished by not removing barriers to development, most notably the lack of adequate wastewater infrastructure for Clarinbridge and Craughwell," she said.

"It is incomprehensible that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage can stand over the situation where Galway County Council is expected to carry out the work of Uisce Éireann, particularly when these functions were transferred as part of the national transition."

The council will now engage with Uisce Éireann and the Department to agree a framework for the delivery of the schemes before considering any financial commitment.

READ NEXT: Revisiting Gertrude's iconic art at Galway International Arts Festival