By Dan Walsh in Gorey
Housing, Local Government and Heritage Minister James Browne TD visited Gorey today to turn the sod and officially launch the €9 million Gorey Market House Regeneration Project. He described the occasion as “a red-letter day for Gorey.”
Minister Browne said; “Preserving our heritage is so crucial and we are so lucky here in Wexford we have an extraordinary amount of heritage.”
Minister Browne praised those who acquired an extraordinary amount of funding and said; “It is great to have a champion in Cllr Pip Breen who has been fighting for this funding year after year.” He also credited Director of Services Liz Hore and Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe for their unrelenting support.
In conclusion, Minister Browne said;” It is for the people of Gorey. It is their heritage. It is their Market House and it will be there for their children and their grandchildren. I am honoured to be in Gorey today to turn the first sod and launch this wonderful project.”
Cllr Pip Breen, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and the Wexford County Council delegate on the Southern Regional Assembly explained the funding
The Southern Regional Assembly, as Managing Authority for the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, worked closely with Wexford County Council to deliver this ambitious regeneration. The project has secured €7 million in THRIVE funding, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, with a further €2 million ring-fenced by Wexford County Council.
Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council both addressed the occasion. Minister Browne repeated sentiments of Cllr Farrell and Cllr McDonald who both “mentioned that preserving that heritage for future generations is so important and in a way that is accessible.”
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council thanked the councillors and officials for persevering with the project and securing the funding and complimented them on great project for Gorey preserving heritage long into the future.
Anita McLoughlin, District Manager, acted as master of ceremonies.
The attendance included Deputies Brian Brennan and Malcolm Byrne, Cllrs Donal Kenny, Craig Doyle, Joe Sullivan, Darragh McDonald and Nicky Boland, Liz Hore, Director of Services.
Nevin Construction has commenced work on site, and the expected opening date is March 31st, 2028!
Designed in line with the New European Bauhaus principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and beauty, the regenerated Market House will provide flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for exhibitions, performances, workshops, markets, community events, and cultural activities while carefully preserving the building’s rich architectural and historical heritage and ensuring this important heritage building continues to serve Gorey for generations to come.
HISTORY; Dating back to the foundations of Gorey in 1619, the Market House is the oldest building in the town and one of the oldest surviving market houses in Ireland. Over more than four centuries, it has served the community in multiple roles: as the original Tholsel or market house (from 1709), a prison during the 1798 Rebellion, a courthouse prior to 1837, a school, and most recently the Gorey Town Commissioners and Town Council until 2012 when the local authority headquarters moved to Gorey Civic Centre.
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