By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting
The future of Gorey’s historic Market House was back on the agenda at today’s (Tuesday) July meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Chamber at the Civic Centre.
The meeting was addressed by a delegation from the recently formed Gorey Development Group consisting of Michael Dwyer (Chairman), Gerard Fleming and Lorna Fitzpatrick who stated that their goal is “to keep the Market House in public ownership.”
A recent Market House survey was carried out that showed that it was a protected structure and a valuable civic amenity that has given the town a sense of history since 1709.
The Group’s long-term vision would include opening the arches, creating an arts and crafts exhibition space for the community, possibly creating a country garden to the rear of the building and additional developments at the upper chamber.
Mr Dwyer drew attention to the need for capital expenditure and suggested the Council may be able to seek funding through appropriate sources, like, maybe the Town and Village Renewal.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen said the Market House must be “a working building” and he pointed out it was the chamber for Gorey Town Council until it was abolished in 2014.
Director of Services Liz Hore said there needs to be “a condition report” looking at options and funding applications that would give a clear vision towards future developments and she suggested the involvement of the County Heritage Officer’s expertise and advice.
Cllr Andrew Bolger noted that many historic buildings in Ireland are owned by the OPW (Office of Public Works). He supported artists that would use the Market House but stated; “It is all about the money, the money, the money!”
Cllr Joe Sullivan expressed his “concerns” and he challenged the meeting to answer his question; “Has the County Council senior executive NO plans to sell the Market House?” Cllr Anthony Donohoe replied that “No councillor has said ‘sell the Market House’!.
Cllr Donal Kenny stated that “sale is not part of it.” He complimented the energetic young Gorey Development Group and suggested “this is the committee to bring it back to life.”
Cllr Willie Kavanagh referred to a protected building in Enniscorthy (the Athenaeum Hall) where €2 million was spent on refurbishment and renovation and it was handed back to the committee. He was at an invited event there recently and he said it is now ‘closed’!
Other councillors spoke briefly on the matter, but by way of conclusion, Cllr Pip Breen referred to the Council’s commitment and priorities, but recalled the days when it served the community of Gorey as a butchers’ shop.
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