Up to six houses owned by Galway City Council have been empty for almost a decade.
As of last month, the total number of vacant homes owned by the local authority is 86, a deplorable situation during a national housing emergency, says Councillor John McDonagh.
“This is a completely unacceptable use of public resources. At a time when so many families are in urgent need of housing, we have properties sitting idle, in some cases, for up to a decade,” he said.
The Labour councillor for the city centre requested updated figures from Galway City Council’s director of housing at last week’s July council meeting. The problem is obvious, he says, but there has been a lack of simple, local solutions which he claims are staring the council in the face.
“The Council has made efforts, but without direct access to government refurbishment funding, we must explore alternative approaches. That could include selling some long-term vacant properties on the open market, with proceeds ring-fenced to purchase new social housing in high-demand areas.”
McDonagh reckons private developers, or home buyers with access to grants, will have the resources to bring vacant homes back into supply, while the local authority purchases appropriate residences ready to move-in to for people on the housing list.
“When the Council can’t secure funds to do the work directly, allowing private buyers to purchase and refurbish these homes using the Vacant Property Grant is a practical solution. It means these houses are brought back into use faster, and the community benefits.”
“Where homes are sold, new owners will restore them, improve the area, and remove longstanding eyesores. These homes should be assets – not liabilities.”
“When homes have been lying empty for over 10 years, you have to ask: will they ever be brought back into use [by the council] unless we take bold action now? The longer they’re left, the more difficult and costly it becomes.”
Residents living next to derelict properties have reported damp, structural damage, and loss of property value, and many are growing increasingly frustrated.
“People are beginning to lose hope,” he added. “They’re asking councillors: ‘Why can’t you do something about this?’ And they’re right to ask. That’s why I’m raising this now: to show that we are acting, and that we won’t accept inaction or neglect as the status quo.”
“Residents have every right to question whether they may be entitled to compensation for long-term harm caused by Council neglect. That’s simply not acceptable.”
