The Land Development Agency has announced plans for a site in Galway City with the potential to deliver 750 affordable and social homes.
A draft spatial framework has been produced in partnership with Galway City Council for land surrounding the Sandy Road area of the city.
It is understood the timeframe to begin development is at least five years away. A public consultation process has opened today.
This brownfield site on the outskirts of Galway City comprises almost 25 acres of land and is to be known as The Sandy Quarter, with a variety of housing types envisaged for this proposed new city neighbourhood.
The site is a mix of public and privately owned lands.
Galway City and County Councils, along with the ESB, will be required to relocate before any development begins.
Private landowners have also consented to their lands being considered for redevelopment.
LDA Chief Executive John Coleman said: "This is another significant development for the LDA and part of our ongoing work to optimise the potential of under-utilised public land.
"The Draft Spatial Framework involves an exciting vision for this land and serves as a guide to how it can be radically transformed from a brownfield site into a vibrant urban quarter.
"The LDA is already involved in a number of affordable and social housing projects with local authorities and is delighted to be working with Galway City Council, Galway County Council and the ESB on what will be a fantastic addition to Galway city.
"We have the expertise to plan and deliver this project and we look forward to doing so."
The spatial framework proposes a vision for the area that builds on the policies in the recently adopted Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029.
Galway City Council Chief Executive Brendan McGrath said: "Galway City Council is very pleased to be working in partnership with the Land Development Agency to progress this strategic spatial framework for the Sandy Road area.
"This site is very important in the context of compact growth, active travel, climate action, and the anticipated increase in population in Galway City under the National Planning Framework. Sustainable, compact growth will be key to the continued success of Galway city, and ambitious plans such as the draft spatial framework for the Sandy Road area will be at the heart of this.
"We look forward to a proactive consultation and engagement with stakeholders, and we welcome their input, local knowledge and insights.
"Progression towards planning consent, incorporating highest quality urban design and subsequent early construction of this new urban quarter in the coming years, will be hugely welcome."
The eight Galway sites in public ownership are Ballymoneen Road; Terryland Waterworks on Dyke Road; Brothers of Charity Services on the Old Dublin Road; City Hall at College Road; Sandy Road; Galway Harbour; Merlin Park Hospital and Renmore Barracks.
The Draft Spatial Framework for The Sandy Quarter is being launched as part of a six-week public consultation process.
The plan proposes mixed tenure homes, situated around a central park and a series of smaller garden courts, pocket parks and a public square. It also includes office and commercial space, alongside biodiverse landscaping, a community hub and enterprise facility.
The site surrounds Sandy Road and is located approximately 1.2km from Eyre Square in the northeast of the city.
The LDA said a key aim is to provide high quality affordable homes based on the principles of sustainability and access to open spaces.
