A new policy document for the allocation of local-authority housing in Galway city has called for the omission from the waiting list of drug offenders and those who engage in anti-social activities.
The objective of the document is to accommodate people who are most in need, but it calls for the removal from the list of anyone convicted of a drugs offence or who is likely to cause trouble.
It was submitted yesterday by Alderman Declan McDonnell, chairman of the City Council's Housing Strategic Policy Committee, who said it also contained a review and appeals process.
The document has been approved by the City Council and is now policy.
It says that anyone who has been convicted of a drugs offence within two years of making an application for a local-authority house will not be considered.
Any applicant who has engaged in anti-social behaviour, causes damage to property or interferes with other tenants after the application is made will also be removed from the list.
Priority will be given to people or families who have been rendered homeless in emergency situations, such as fire or floods, or if they have been displaced for redevelopment purposes.
The same would also apply to applicants with a serious medical condition.
Families who have been rendered homeless through no fault of their own and cannot provide their own accommodation will also be given priority.
Applicants on the housing list who are not happy with the priority they are being afforded by the City Council will be able to avail of an appeals process.
An appeal can also be made if a person has been refused inclusion on the waiting list or if they are unhappy with an offer of accommodation. .
Alderman Michael Leahy welcomed the new document, but said single people on the list were not being given the same priority as families.
He added that this was a matter which should be examined more closely.
Meanwhile, the council has approved a radical enhancement scheme for the focal point of the city at Eyre Square.
The project involves the replanting of mature trees, the creation of new pathways, changes in the flow of traffic and the relocation of landmarks such as the Padraic O Conaire statue, the Browne Doorway and the Galway Hooker fountain.
Councillors have agreed to put the plan on public display from March 22nd to May 8th, during which time submissions can be made by members of the public to An Bord Pleanála.