The Housing Minister says a new social housing development on the outskirts of Galway city could be used as a national template.

Minister Simon Coveney visited the development at Cappagh Road today, which will see 15 individuals and couples move off the waiting list and into a home in the coming weeks.

It is the first such development in Ireland to benefit from funding from the European Investment Bank.

The new apartments bring to 335 the number of Cluid social housing units built across Galway city and county.

Minister Coveney says the government will use the Cappagh Road project as a template for future social housing projects.