Galway social housing funding soars despite millions underspent in 2025
Galway is set to receive almost €15 million this year to support the purchase of second-hand homes for people in vulnerable housing situations, a significant increase compared to previous years, despite the two local authorities previously underspending their allocations.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne has confirmed that €373 million is now available for drawdown by local authorities under the Second-Hand Social Housing Acquisitions Programme.
Under the 2026 allocation, Galway City Council will receive €11.5 million, an increase of €6.8 million. Last year, the city acquired 18 properties, using nearly 60pc of its allocation. However, the city had nearly €1.1 million leftover.
Galway County Council will receive €3.2 million, up by €2.1 million. Four homes were acquired last year, accounting for 18pc of the funding issued. County Galway underspent by €4.4 million.
Figures from 2020 to 2024 show 12.92 new builds for every one second-hand acquisition across the county, more than double the national local-authority average of 6:1.
In contrast, Galway City recorded 2.6 new builds for every one acquisition over the same period.
Galway East TD Albert Dolan welcomed the increased funding, saying it would make a “real and practical difference.”
A dedicated focus, with ringfenced funding, will be directed towards people leaving long-term homelessness, as well as disabled, older residents, and tenants-in-situ.
Local authorities will also have the option to allocate up to 30pc of their 2026 base funding to acquisitions expected to be completed in 2027.