Portumna Town Hall and the Bridewell.
MORE than €1.67 million has been awarded to seven towns and villages across County Galway that are working to strengthen local amenities, protect heritage and address vacancy.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary (FF) has confirmed that all seven applications submitted by Galway County Council under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2025 have been approved for funding.
The single largest allocation, €500,000, has been granted for the upgrade of the historic Bridewell behind Portumna Courthouse along with planned improvements to Portumna Town Hall.
Killimor has been awarded €214,550 and Ahascragh €250,000 to support continuing efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction. Both communities in East Galway are already part of the council’s first Compulsory Purchase Order Activation Programme for vacant properties.
Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán in Leitir Móir will receive €300,000 to enhance Páirc Pobal and develop a new playground. A further €300,000 has been approved for improvements to the Ionad Pobail facility in Clonbur to meet growing demand for local meeting space.
In Corofin, €45,572 has been allocated for a community feasibility study aimed at identifying new village-centre amenities. Athenry will receive €42,750 to advance proposals for additional community meeting space identified through the town team process.
Councillor David Collins (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said the funding will support a range of projects that strengthen local facilities, protect heritage and tackle vacancy. “The progress we are seeing across the county comes from strong collaboration between community groups and Galway County Council as we work to bring new life into our towns and villages. Schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme make this rejuvenation possible. While match funding is required in all cases, I have no doubt that the seven towns and villages involved will make significant progress over the coming months”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has been delivering lasting improvements to rural communities across County Galway since it was launched in 2016. “Working with the council and other key stakeholders, local groups have used the funding to improve public spaces, refurbish community buildings, bring vacant properties back into use and create thriving communities”.
Mr Conneally highlighted that the funding for two landmark heritage buildings in Portumna comes at a particularly timely moment, following the announcement that the town will host the 2026 National Famine Commemoration. “The projects for Portumna Town Hall and the Bridewell jail build on the regeneration of Portumna Courthouse earlier this year, along with ongoing work at Portumna Castle, the harbour, and local forest trails. Together, these initiatives are bringing new life to the town while preserving and promoting the area’s heritage for future generations, as will be showcased when the Irish Workhouse Centre takes centre stage during next year’s commemoration”.
Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Corporate Services and Rural, Community and Tourism Development, said, “The funded projects align closely with the Town and Village Renewal Scheme’s core objective of supporting small towns and villages facing population decline, vacant properties and limited community facilities. This funding helps strengthen local services, improve public spaces, and create attractive, sustainable places. We look forward to working with local groups to advance these vital investments in the future of their communities”.
