New Galway city rates waiver to support businesses opening in vacant properties
Thu, Oct 15, 2026
Galway City Council is to introduce a new rates waiver scheme targeting long-term vacant commercial properties across Galway city.
The proposed Vacant Property Scheme will provide a 100% rates waiver in the first year to qualifying businesses opening in premises that have been vacant for more than one year. The waiver will reduce rates by 50% in the second year and 25% in the third year, only reverting to full commercial rates payments in year four.
The proposal was approved by the Elected Members at the plenary meeting of Galway City Council on 12 October 2026.
News
Mayor Ogbu backs European call for climate and health action
The Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Helen Ogbu, has voiced her support for the Cork Call to Action on Climate and Health, joining more than 100 mayors, deputy mayors and elected representatives from 60 cities across 22 European countries in ...
What's on in Galway
Country concert with Trudi Lalor in Loughrea
Trudi Lalor and other stars of the country music scene will be a highlight of the season at the Loughrea Hotel on October 19. ...
Sport
Connacht relish return to Champions Cup
Excitement is building at Dexcom Stadium for Connacht’s return to Europe’s premier competition. ...
Lifestyle
Remembering Kevin O’Byrne
Kevin Francis O’Byrne was born in Galway on December 2, 1934, the second son of Seán and Mary O’Byrne. He had an older brother, Brendan and a younger sister, Máire. He received his education at St Patrick’s National ...
Competitions
COMPETITION CLOSED: Win tickets to Connacht v Ospreys this Saturday
The Galway Advertiser has two tickets to give away to this Saturday’s URC clash between Connacht and Ospreys. ...
Business
Western Development Commission launches Creative West 2035 and calls on creative sector to have its say
The Western Development Commission (WDC) is initiating Creative West 2035, a comprehensive new study and needs evaluation of the creative economy spanning Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway, and Clare, inviting all those involved in the ...
Jobs
Adult Learning Information Evening
Professionals looking to future-proof their careers and explore flexible learning opportunities are invited to attend the annual Adult Learning Information Evening at University of Galway on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, from 5.30pm–7.30pm in the ...
Property
Space, sea views and family living on the Barna Road
Colleran Auctioneers presents Cois Cuan, Barna Road, Galway, an impressive five bedroom detached residence offering the space, energy efficiency and location that growing families increasingly seek, together with the added attraction of an elevated ...
Motors
Volvo hybrids deliver more range than ever
Volvo has launched its first long-range plug-in hybrid models, delivering more range than ever before. ...
