Galway Bay fm newsroom - Over 100 vacant social homes across Galway are to be refurbished and re-let this year.
Housing Minister Darragh O' Brien has today announced another Voids Stimulus Programme to cover 3 thousand social housing units nationwide.
Under the scheme, his Department covers a refurbishment cost of €11 thousand per home, or up to €50 thousand for vacant homes requiring significant work.
In Galway, 117 homes will be refurbishment and returned to active social housing stock this year - 50 in the city, and 67 in the county.
Galway East TD Sean Canney has long argued that the refurbishment of vacant homes should be a vital pillar in addressing the housing crisis.
He's welcomed the latest announcement - but believes the Government should have a far bigger focus on all vacant properties, not just social housing stock.
Deputy Canney has emphasised the importance of bringing vacant homes back into use in towns and villages nationwide.
