Section 9 of the Local Government Rates and other Matters Act 2019, makes specific provision that elected members of a local authority may make a scheme providing for the abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties and that such a scheme shall be approved at the local authority budget meeting, concerning the local financial year to which the scheme shall apply.
Galway City Council will consider a scheme providing for abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties, applying in the 2026 local financial year.
Galway City Council welcomes written submissions from the public on this matter specifically covering the potential effects of a scheme providing for the abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties on businesses, individuals and on local authority services
Submissions must be received by 5pm on Thursday 16th October 2025 and be made by email to: rates@galwaycity.ie
or
by post to:
SCHEME FOR THE ABATEMENT OF RATES IN RESPECT OF VACANT PROPERTIES COMMERCIAL RATES DEPARTMENT,
FINANCE DEPARTMENT,
CITY HALL,
COLLEGE ROAD,
GALWAY
H91 X4K8
For further information see www.galwaycity.ie
Signed: Leonard Cleary,
Chief Executive,
Galway City Council.
Dated: 2nd October 2025