Tuam apartments will have tax breaks

The first development under the Urban Renewal Scheme in Tuam, Co Galway, is now on the market.

The residential/office mix includes 28 apartments, ranging in size from 650 sq ft to 859 sq ft. These are on sale for £100,000 to £135,000 (€126,970E 171,410) - half the price of similar properties in Galway city, according to the developer, Mr Robert Canavan of Canavan Properties.

Temple Jarlath Court is in High Street, just a short walk from the town centre. The ruins of a 14th-century monastery are close by.

Built by Rhatigans, the two and three-bedroom apartments are located in four individual blocks built around a communal garden landscaped with pathways. Car-parking space is also provided. The 10 office/retail units for lease are equivalent in size to the apartments.

The architect for the scheme is Roddy Mannion Associates, while Joyce Auctioneers, Chapel Lane, Tuam, is handling sales.

Temple Jarlath Court is one of five sites being developed under the urban renewal scheme, which offers tax allowances to owner-occupiers.

Just 20 minutes from Galway city, Tuam was earmarked for a multi-million pound integrated development plan, approved by Galway County Council three years ago and subsequently submitted to the Department of the Environment.

New water and sewage systems and the construction of a new motorway within the next five years have made Tuam a much more attractive place to live, according to Mr Canavan.