Galway Chamber urges regeneration of vacant buildings to ease housing crisis
In their latest report Galway Chamber is calling for the “adaptive reuse” of vacant and underutilised buildings as a means of addressing the ongoing housing shortage across the city and county.
Published in August, the report highlights the potential of “adaptive reuse”, the regeneration of existing properties, as a practical and sustainable response to the accommodation crisis.
The report examines vacancy rates across Galway city, county and the metropolitan area, while also acknowledging the most critical barriers that prevent many projects from progressing such as financial viability and regulatory complexity.
President of the Galway Chamber, Cáit Noone said: “Vacancy or underuse isn’t just a lost housing opportunity, it’s a lost opportunity for community and climate action.”
The Chamber’s recommendations, set out under an Action Implementation Framework, are divided into measures for immediate action and longer-term reforms. They include revising planning guidelines, streamlining legislation, and clarifying regulations to improve delivery.
Other key recommendations include the appointment of a regeneration coordinator within local authorities, the expansion of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, and the launch of a “Reuse Ready” public awareness campaign to boost confidence among communities and stakeholders.
A case study in the report details five examples of adaptive reuse projects in Galway city. These include the conversion of former offices and studios in areas such as Woodquay and Eyre Square into residential apartments, many of which were approved on the condition that they will not be used for short-term lettings.
Galway’s population has grown by almost 55pc over the past four decades and is projected to exceed 120,000 by 2040. According to the report, the current vacancy rate stands at 11pc in County Galway and 8pc in the city.
“Bringing buildings back into use and maximising their potential uses strengthens the social and economic fabric of our urban centres and helps reduce the need for sprawl.” Ms Noone added.
The report seeks to provide the necessary changes detailed and invites a collaborative approach with the community and local authority.