Section 9 of the Local Government Rates and other Matters Act 2019, makes specific provision that elected members of a local authority may make a scheme providing for the abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties and that such a scheme shall be approved at the local authority budget meeting, concerning the local financial year to which the scheme shall apply. Galway City Council will consider a scheme providing for abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties, applying in the 2025 local financial year.

In accordance with Section 21 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and Section 6 of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, Galway City Council has been instructed by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage to carry out a Housing Needs Assessment for 2024.

In accordance with the provisions of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, Galway City Council has prepared a Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme, covering the period 2025-2029.