Galway gets more than €2m to bring old homes back to life
A government backbench TD has welcomed the announcement of more than €2 million to help refurbish for derelict homes in Galway.
Deputy Albert Dolan confirmed that Galway County Council has approved €2.1 million in Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants for 374 successful applications.
This will enable these properties to be refurbished into t family homes or rental units. The county received over 500 applications in total.
He said that projects like these were ‘breathing life back into vacant and derelict buildings’ around the county – and around the country with over €155 million allocated towards the restoration of 2,856 homes that have either been started or completed.
In total, the scheme saw the approval of nearly 10,000 applications.
“This grant shows Minister James Browne's strategic approach to housing is hitting two birds with one stone by breathing life back into towns and villages while boosting housing supply. It’s a case of one scheme with double the impact,” said Deputy Dolan.
“Bringing vacant homes back into use is one of the most effective ways to address housing needs, while preserving the character of our towns and villages. This support helps families, boosts local economies, and tackles dereliction.
“Homeowners with vacant or derelict properties are encouraged to apply for the grant. Successful applicants can receive up to €50,000 to carry out refurbishments. If renovation costs exceed this amount, a top-up grant of €20,000 may be available,” he explained.
To qualify, a property owner must have proof that the property has been vacant for at least two years, have proof of ownership, and proof of residence following the granted construction. Supporting documentation such as financial projections and structural reports are needed as well.
“This grant combats the staggering statistics released at the end of 2024 by GeoDirectory’s residential building report which stated Galway was responsible for 8.8 per cent of the 20,000 derelict homes in Ireland,” said Deputy Dolan.
“Additionally, the figure for vacant homes in Galway stood at 5.3 per cent – almost two per cent higher than the national average; an alarming difference as Galway’s housing crisis continues to be on the rise.”
Pictured: Deputy Albert Dolan