Over €10million spent on vacant Galway properties

MORE than €10.4 million in grants has helped to bring back 191 vacant and derelict properties back into use in Galway County area.

The latest figures reveal that Galway County Council has received 771 applications under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme since its introduction in 2022.

A total of 571 applications were approved and 191 grants were issued on completion of works, representing payments of €10,422,329.

A total of 31 grants were issued between July to September 2026 alone, representing payments of €1.67 million.

Meanwhile, Galway City Council received a total of 172 applications, with 153 approved and 76 grants worth €3.94 million issued since the beginning of the scheme.

Junior Minister for Transport Sean Canney said that it is encouraging to see over €14.3 million paid out across Galway to help bring vacant and derelict properties back in use.

“We all know of houses in our towns, villages and rural communities that have been lying empty for years.

“This scheme is helping people turn those properties into homes again, while also tackling dereliction and breathing new life into our communities,” emphasised Minister Canney.

Nationally, a total 7,162 grants have been issued on completion of works, with payments exceeding €396 million.

Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, eligible applicants can receive up to €50,000 to refurbish a vacant property, with an additional €20,000 available for derelict properties, bringing the maximum grant to €70,000.