Galway City Council welcomes the recent Government announcement in relation to the continuance and expansion of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG), which has invested €2,546,449 euro in 49 properties in Galway City to date.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said, “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. 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.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council said, “Through the continued VPRG, 20,000 homes nationwide will be brought back into use by 2030 – including both vacant and derelict properties, and through the expansion of the scheme to include ‘above the shop’ residential units. The scheme has seen significant investment in Galway City to date, and I welcome this continued commitment to the revitalisation of our city, and the creation of new homes”.
Under the current VPRG scheme, a grant of up €50,000 is available for refurbishment of vacant properties as principal private residences, and for rental properties where the tenancy is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed €50,000, a further top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available for derelict properties, bringing the total grant to €70,000.
The existing VPRG scheme is now being extended to include vacant/ derelict commercial properties that are being converted in their entirety into more than one home. In addition to the current grant of up to €50,000/ €70,000, an additional €20,000 will be available for a second residential unit and a further €20,000 where three or more units are created. This brings the total package for commercial buildings being converted into three or more residential units up to €115,000 – including a new ‘expert advice grant’ of €5,000.
As part of the expanded scheme, a specific Vacant Above the Shop Grant is being introduced, with stepped up funding of up to €140,000 where commercial use continues on the ground floor.
Where one residential unit is being created above a commercial unit, a grant of up to €95,000 will be available. Where two units are created, an additional top-up of €20,000 will be available. Where three or more units are created, a top-up of €40,000 on the grant of €95,000 will be available.
In tandem with the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, a new Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000 will be made available to building owners who may be considering conversions/ refurbishments. This will bring the total package available for these properties to €140,000.
The additional grant amounts and the expert advice grant recognise the complexities involved in bringing vacant space above commercial premises and conversion of former commercial buildings into multi-residential units into residential use – including, for example, separate access, fire separation and so on.
It is intended that the Vacant Above the Shop Grant and the extended grant for conversion of an entire former commercial building will be in operation by the end of Q1 2026. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently developing the scheme specifics and documentation.
Details of how to apply for Galway City Council funding will be publicised once available, including adverts in local media and on social media.
Information on the current Galway City Council VPRG scheme can be found on the Galway City Council website.
