The Westside Modular Family Hub in Galway is the first of its kind in Ireland. Opened in May 2020, the purpose-built family homeless service was developed by Galway City Council and Peter McVerry Trust in partnership with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and the Housing Agency.
The facility is designed to temporarily house families while they seek a long-term solution to their housing need, with the assistance of the Peter McVerry Trust management who are on site 24/7. It features fifteen two and three-bedroom units with their own kitchen, dining space and bathroom. There is also an on-site playground.
The development has dramatically transformed what was previously an overgrown, unused site, disposed to anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping. Galway City Council carried out extensive public consultation and engagement with local residents and local representatives in advance and during the project to ensure all issues of concern were addressed. As a result, there is strong support from the local community for the development.
This new facility allows families to maintain independent living, build their life-skills and engage effectively with Peter McVerry Trust and Galway City Council to find a long-term home.