Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, is encouraging community groups across Galway to submit Expressions of Interest for the 2026 Town and Village Renewal Scheme by 23 October 2026.

The scheme supports small to medium-sized, shovel-ready capital projects aimed at making rural towns and villages more vibrant and resilient.

Minister Canney said: “This scheme is a real opportunity for communities across Galway to progress projects that can make a practical difference to their towns and villages.

“Local groups know what their communities need and I would encourage anyone with a suitable project in mind to engage with Galway County Council’s Rural Team and look at what may be possible under the scheme.”

Galway County Council can put forward five projects under the Main Scheme and two under the Project Development Measure.

Funding of up to €500,000 is available for one Main Scheme project and up to €300,000 for four further projects, while Project Development funding is available up to €50,000. The grant rate is 95%.

Main Scheme projects must have the required Appropriate Assessment, feasibility study and planning permission in place before a final application can proceed. This does not apply to the Project Development Measure.

Groups cannot apply directly to the Department and must submit an Expression of Interest through Galway County Council. The Council may seek further information or undertake site visits before shortlisting projects for submission to the Department by 22 January 2027.

Expressions of Interest can be submitted by 23 October 2026 at https://submit.link/4Wn.

Further information is available at https://www.galway.ie/en/community-tourism-arts/town-and-village-renewal-scheme-tvrs.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Galway County Council’s Rural Team before submitting to ensure their proposal is eligible and meets the scheme requirements at [email protected] or 091 509396.