Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the continued success of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which has brought nearly 2,900 homes back into use nationwide in the 3 month period April 1st to June 30th — including across Galway.

New data released by the Department of Housing confirms that Galway City and Galway County combined have benefitted from over €1.5 million in funding during the second quarter of this year, supporting the transformation of vacant and derelict properties into much-needed homes.

From April 1st to June 30th, 2025:

Galway County Council received 45 applications, approved 47 more, and additionally issued 13 payments totalling €776,215.
Galway City Council received 14 applications, approved 11 more, and additionally issued 13 payments totalling €741,431.

This brings the combined Galway grant total to €1,517,646, with 26 homes brought back into use during the quarter. The figures reflect the ongoing nature of the grant process, as applications move through approval and payment stages at different times.

Nationwide, €155.2 million has now been paid out under the scheme, funding the refurbishment of 2,856 properties. More than 700 grants were paid out in Q2 2025 alone — more than triple the number issued in the same period last year.

Minister Canney praised the scheme’s impact in rural and urban settings alike: “This is progress. Properties that have stood vacant for years are now becoming homes for families in towns, villages and rural areas across Galway. It’s a smart, sustainable way to meet our housing needs.”

He also encouraged more property owners to engage with the scheme: “We still have far too many vacant and derelict homes in our towns, villages and rural communities. I strongly urge owners of such properties to look seriously at this grant as a way to get their building back into use and back into the housing supply. The supports are there, and they are working.”

Since its launch in July 2022, the scheme has received over 13,700 applications nationally, with nearly 10,000 already approved. Grants are paid once refurbishment works are completed and paperwork is submitted.

Minister Canney concluded: “This scheme is not just about housing supply — it’s about reviving our streets, supporting rural regeneration, and getting full value out of our existing buildings.”