A new funding scheme to convert vacant buildings and above-shop spaces into homes could bring hundreds of families and individuals back to living in town centres across Galway, according to Mayor of Galway City and Galway West by?election candidate Mike Cubbard.
A series of housing grants, launched this week by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, aim to make it easier for property owners to bring long?empty upper floors back into residential use.
Councillor Cubbard said the funding presents a real opportunity to bring new life back into Galway city and into towns and villages across the county, and will help to address financial and regulatory barriers that have prevented redevelopment in the past.
He said that as well as delivering new housing developments and easing restrictions for people building homes in their own communities, there must be a continued focus on existing properties and how they can be repurposed.
He continued, “For decades families lived in above-shop units in town centres, creating active and sustainable communities, but many of these properties have been left empty in recent years due to high renovation costs and complex fire certification requirements.”
He pointed to towns such as Clifden, Oughterard, Gort, Ballinasloe, Tuam, Mountbellew, Headford and Kinvara, as well as Galway city, where streets are lined with traditional buildings that include ground floor retail with vacant upper floors.
“Many of these spaces were once homes and could again play a key role in addressing vacancy and bringing people back into town centres,” Cubbard added. “Turning these vacant spaces into homes will support local businesses, increase activity in town centres and provide much?needed housing for our communities.”
Cubbard said the scheme encourages reuse rather than new build and helps preserve the character of town centres while strengthening local communities.
The new initiatives include the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, which offers up to €135,000 to support the conversion of vacant upper floors into homes while retaining the commercial use at ground level.
There is also a targeted top-up to the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, providing up to an additional €40,000 where entire former commercial buildings are being converted into two or more residential units.
An Expert Advice Grant of up to €5,000 will also be available to cover the cost of professional guidance for the conversion of above-shop spaces and former commercial properties into homes.
More information is available on the Department of Housing website.
