Funding expansion for vacant properties scheme might unlock ‘a significant number’ of new homes in Galway city
A series of increases to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) scheme is on the way for vacant and derelict homes in Galway, the Government has announced.
The VPRG aims to bring 20,000 homes back into use nationally by 2030 and to date, more than €2.5 million has been invested in 49 properties across Galway, Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council explained.
“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant scheme was introduced in 2022 to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use as family homes and rental residential units,” Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Mike Cubbard added.
“The expanded scheme will target conversion of commercial properties into homes, and vacant ‘above the shop’ units - potentially unlocking a significant number of new homes throughout Galway City.”
Under the current scheme, grants of up to €50,000 are available for the refurbishment of vacant private residential homes and registered rental properties, provided the property is returned to residential use. An additional top-up of €20,000 is available where refurbishment costs exceed the original funding limit, bringing the total possible grant to €70,000.
Applicants must specify the intended use of the building following refurbishment, with further funding available where a property is classified as derelict.
Planned changes to the scheme will expand eligibility to include commercial properties that are being fully converted into residential use. Properties converted into more than one home may qualify for an additional €20,000 for second and third residential units, bringing the maximum grant available to €115,000.
Eligible properties must have been built on or before 2007 and must have been vacant for a minimum of two years.
An additional €5,000 Expert Advice Grant will also be available to support property owners seeking professional conservation, architectural, or conversion advice.
A new Vacant Above the Shop Grant is being introduced as part of the expanded scheme. Under this initiative, residential units located above active commercial premises may qualify for up to €140,000 in funding. Up to €95,000 will be available for a single residential unit above a commercial space, with increased allocations for additional units.
Higher funding levels are being made available for these mixed-use developments due to the complexity of renovations required to ensure buildings meet residential standards.
Property owners will be able to avail of the Expert Advice Grant at the planning stage of refurbishment works.
All grant enhancements are expected to be available by the end of Q1 2026, as the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage finalises scheme details and application requirements.
Once applications are submitted, a local authority inspector will assess the completed works before approving the release of funds as vouched expenditure.
A full list of works covered under the scheme is included in the application documentation, which is available on the Galway City Council website. Applicants whose submissions are refused may appeal the decision to the Vacant Homes Officer within three weeks of notification.