Galway County Council announces record €203 million budget for 2026

By Erin Gahan 

Galway County Council’s budget for 2026 shows a €10 million increase from last year’s figure, hitting a record €203.3 million in planned spending. 

The expansionary budget was passed at yesterday’s (November 14) plenary meeting in Áras an Chontae and outlines the major investments planned in housing, infrastructure, staffing and digital services next year. 

A key feature of the 2026 budget is housing, with €33.38 million allocated to housing and building services. 

Galway County Council aims to deliver on its five-year target of 1,717 new social housing units by the end of next year. It also plans to improve existing housing stock throughout the year with €444,562 secured to help refurbish vacant properties and upgrade suitable homes. 

Funding for the disabled persons grant will rise to €1.5 million next year, with the potential to leverage €10 million in co-funding for homes across the county. 

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. 

The Council aims to deliver a range of community and infrastructure supports in the year ahead. 

This includes 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. 

Galway County Council have said progress will continue on current major transport projects, including the N6 Galway City Ring Road and key greenways between Galway, Oughterard, and Clifden. 

Additionally, €200,000 has been set aside for hedge cutting to improve road safety, along with an additional €200,000 for improvements in public lighting. 

Other priorities in next year’s budget include digital transformation, with €250,000 allocated for cybersecurity and IT upgrades. 

Mr Conneally added: “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.”