Galway City Council has welcomed the Government's decision to continue and expand the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG). To date, €2,546,449 has been invested across 49 properties in Galway City under the scheme.

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".

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Under the current VPRG, grants of up to €50,000 are available to refurbish vacant properties as principal private residences, and for rental properties where the tenancy is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). For derelict properties, a top-up of up to €20,000 is available, bringing the maximum to €70,000.

The scheme is being extended to cover vacant or derelict commercial buildings converted in their entirety into more than one home. In addition to the €50,000/€70,000 grant, a further €20,000 will be available for a second residential unit, with an additional €20,000 where three or more units are created. This brings the total support for commercial buildings converted into three or more homes to €115,000, including a new €5,000 expert advice grant.

A dedicated Vacant Above the Shop Grant is also being introduced, with stepped funding of up to €140,000 where ground-floor commercial use continues. Where one residential unit is created above a commercial unit, a grant of up to €95,000 will be available; where two units are created, an extra €20,000 will be provided; and where three or more units are created, a top-up of €40,000 will be added to the €95,000 grant. Alongside a new Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000, this brings the total package for these properties to €140,000.

These additional supports recognise the complexities of converting vacant space above shops and former commercial buildings into multiple homes, including requirements such as separate access and fire separation.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage intends to have the Vacant Above the Shop Grant and the extended support for full commercial-to-residential conversions in operation by the end of Q1 2026, with scheme specifics and documentation now being developed.

Details on how to apply for Galway City Council funding will be publicised once available, including via local media and social media. Information on the current Galway City Council VPRG scheme is available on the council's website.