€1.67 million in funding announced for 7 Galway towns

Galway County Council (GCC) has announced that seven towns and villages across county Galway have been approved for over €1.67 million in funding for regeneration projects.

The funds come from the government’s ‘Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2025’, which aims to improve amenities and provide protection for local heritage sites.

The fund also aims to tackle vacancy, an ongoing issue in rural areas across the country as younger generations flee abroad or to the bigger cities.

Receiving the largest portion of the sum is Portumna, which is being allocated €500,000 for improvements to the town hall, as well as upgrades to the town’s Bridewell, a historic building.

Chief Executive of GCC Liam Conneally welcomed the decision, describing it as “particularly timely” for the town, which is set to host the 2026 National Famine Commemoration.

“Together, these initiatives are bringing new life to the town while preserving and promoting the area’s heritage for future generations,” said Mr Conneally.

Remaining in East Galway, Ahascragh received €250,000 in funds, while Killimor received over €214,000, with both sums aimed at tackling issues around vacancy and dereliction.

The two communities are already part of GCC’s Compulsory Purchase Order Activation Programme, which grants the councils powers to purchase vacant or derelict properties where owners will not cooperate, or cannot be found.

Clonbur has been allocated €300,000 for the improvements of the town’s Ionad Pobail facility, which comes in response to a growing demand in the area for a public meeting space.

Similarly, Athenry, the town with the largest population on the list, has also been allocated a sum of €42,750 for community meeting spaces.

Corofin received a similar figure of €45,572 to be put towards a community feasibility study, to identify potential improvements to the village-centre’s amenities.

Leitir Mór was the only village west of the Corrib on the list, with Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán being allocated €300,000 for the enhancement of the public park, as well as construction of a new playground.

Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr David Collins hailed the plans, which he said came as a result of “strong collaboration between community groups and Galway County Council”.

“Schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme make this rejuvenation possible,” said Cllr Collins.

“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.”