Galway County Council has announced its Budget for 2026, with a record €203.3 million in planned spending.
The expansionary budget, passed at today’s plenary meeting in Áras an Chontae by Elected Members, is a €10m increase on last year’s figure and outlines major investment in housing, infrastructure, staffing and digital services.
There will be no change in the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV), which the Council has confirmed will remain at its current level for 2026. A new rate incentive scheme will continue to provide financial support for eligible commercial ratepayers.
Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the budget was “ambitious and forward-looking” and would support growth and improve services for residents, businesses, and communities right across County Galway.
He said, “Budget 2026 strikes the right balance between supporting businesses and enhancing the services the people of County Galway rely on every day. We are committed to expanding housing and infrastructure across the county while ensuring that core services are improved and delivered efficiently for everyone.”
“I would like to thank the Elected Members for their role in developing this ambitious roadmap of investment in our county over the coming 12 months. We will also continue to pursue additional funding from government departments to further expand our work programme in 2026,” added Mr Conneally.
Housing is a central focus of Budget 2026, with €33.38 million allocated to Housing and Building services. Galway County Council aims to deliver on its 5-year target of 1,717 new social housing units by the end of 2026. Funding for the Disabled Persons Grant will rise to €1.5 million, with the potential to leverage €10 million in co-funding from the Department in enhancements for homes across the County. Meanwhile, €444,652 has been secured to help refurbish vacant properties and improve existing housing stock.
The Council will deliver a range of community and infrastructure supports in the year ahead, including match funding of €400,000 from the Urban and Rural Regeneration Development Funds which has the capacity to leverage €2 million towards infrastructure and regeneration projects. There is focus on administering the second round of the €762,000 Community Climate Action Fund and advancing upgrades under the Active Travel programme, such as improved footpaths, cycle lanes, lighting, and pedestrian crossings.
Progress will continue on major transport projects, including the N6 Galway City Ring Road and key Greenways between Galway, Oughterard, and Clifden. Work will also advance on the Inis Oírr pier, while public amenities will be enhanced through measures such as the earlier deployment of lifeguards in May under the expanded Summer Ready Programme. In addition, €200,000 has been given for hedge cutting to improve road safety and an additional €200,000 for improvements in public lighting.
Other priorities will include digital transformation with €250,000 for cybersecurity and IT upgrades, and the allocation of €1 million towards staffing in support of the recruitment of outdoor workers, engineers, technicians and community officers across the county’s municipal districts.
Galway County Council’s Director of Finance, Katie O’Connor said: “I am proud to see Galway County Council adopt a record €203 million budget for 2026. This ambitious plan is a testament to our commitment to sustainable growth, enhanced services, and vibrant communities across the county. By investing in housing, infrastructure, digital transformation, and community supports, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for all our residents and businesses. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Galway for generations to come.”
