House and Estate Management

Galway County Council owns and manages over 1,800 properties throughout various areas of the county. These houses may be located in various size estates in towns and villages, or may be single houses in a rural area. The Council recognises that it has a duty of care to promote the peaceful occupation of all our dwellings. In this regard, the Council aims to achieve its role as Landlord by ensuring tenants abide by the Tenancy Agreement which they sign, and by exercising its statutory powers to deal with any instances of Anti-Social Behaviour.

Estate Management is primarily about making local authority estates better places to live in. The Council employs 3 Housing Liaison Officers (HLO’s) who each deal with their own designated area of the county, and carry out a range of services;

- Advice to Tenants on all details of their tenancy and house management

- Development of Residents Associations

- Assist in problems which may occur in estates

- Investigate complaints of anti-social behaviour

The Council encourages and facilitates the formation of Residents Associations, and where problems in estates are reported through the Residents Association or otherwise, the Council will also utilise all legislative means available, and a multi-agency approach with the Gardai Siochana and HSE, to combat any instances of anti-social behaviour. Complaints regarding the conduct of Council tenants may be made by any individual or group on the official complaint form, which can be obtained by telephoning the Housing Unit at 091 509300. All reported incidents are dealt in confidence and investigated in a fair, impartial and objective manner.

Local Authorities and Housing Associations in Ireland have specific powers to evict anyone who is engaging in anti-social behaviour, i.e. involved in drug dealing or any behaviour that might cause danger, injury, damage or fear to people living in the area. This may include violence, threats, intimidation or harassment. The Council can also refuse to let a dwelling or sell one under the tenant purchase scheme on the grounds of anti-social behaviour. Health Boards may refuse or withdraw rent supplement for a private rented dwelling where the person in question was evicted, excluded or removed from local authority housing on the grounds of anti-social behaviour.