Michael D Higgins objects to 39 homes planned beside Galway home

Former Irish president Michael D Higgins and his family have objected to plans for 39 homes beside their Galway home, arguing that the development could worsen existing road safety problems. The dispute has drawn attention because Higgins previously called Ireland’s housing crisis a “great, great, great failure”, although the family say they are not opposed to building homes nearby.

The proposal would place two blocks of homes and a row of detached and semi-detached houses on Circular Road, effectively enclosing the family home in a horseshoe shape. Higgins says the local authority needlessly rezoned the land and prioritised development over road safety; his wife and three sons have also submitted objections. They are among 32 locals who have raised concerns about safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.