€1M has been allocated to rejuvenate the old Sisters of Mercy convent in Gort.
Under category two of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), €1m has been set aside to support the acquisition of the Sisters of Mercy site and the development of a detailed project proposal to transform the historic location into a multi-purpose remote working, innovation, cultural, and community hub at the heart of Gort.
Located at Bridge Street, the convent building dates back to the late 1700s when it was built for residential purposes before it was occupied by the Sisters of Mercy in 1857. It is one of the oldest inhabited buildings in Gort, it was originally known as Bridge House and is one of the oldest inhabited buildings in Gort. It was built. around 1770 by John Prendergast Smyth who later acquired the title Lord Gort. The convent closed in 2021.
Galway County Council will now acquire the three-storey, 1,400sqm building which is viewed as the perfect location for a badly-needed multi-purpose remote working, cultural and community space.
Welcoming the announcement, Galway East TD Albert Dolan (FF) said the project represents a huge investment in the town’s future, “This funding is a major step towards transforming Gort’s town centre and building an even stronger, more connected community. The redevelopment of the Sisters of Mercy site will breathe new life into the town, creating a space that supports enterprise, creativity, and community activity all under one roof”.
Deputy Dolan also acknowledged the key local and council partners who worked to make the application a success, “I want to recognise the outstanding work of the Gort Town Team, The Forge Works, and the Gort Family Resource Centre for their leadership and community spirit in driving this vision forward. I also want to pay particular tribute to the Regeneration Team in Galway County Council for their commitment to the project and their hard work in preparing the successful application. A special word of thanks to Cllr. Gerry Finnerty for working closely with me on this project and for his continued dedication to the development of Gort”.
He said the announcement is about much more than the development of a building. “This is about unlocking the full potential of Gort, ensuring it continues to grow as a place of opportunity, innovation, and community spirit. This investment will help shape a stronger, more vibrant future for the town and all who live here”.
An RRDF application was turned down in 2021 due to the belief by the Department that it may be donated to the public under the religious redress scheme. When that did not happen, the umbrella group made up of up 50 community organisations, Gorgeous Gort Forum, secured in writing a promise by the Mercy Nuns that Galway County Council would be given first option to purchase it.
