Minister Seán Canney Welcomes €1 Million in Funding for Old Convent in Gort Under Rural Regeneration Development Fund

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has warmly welcomed confirmation that €1million in funding has been allocated under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) for the purchase of the Old Convent in Gort.

Galway County Council was successful in its application to acquire the building, with plans now in place to retain it in community ownership and to develop it as a community hub. This investment will rejuvenate the historic building, bring it back into use, and ensure it serves the people of Gort for generations to come.

Minister Canney said the project is both timely and necessary for Gort: “This is fantastic news for the town. This is a very necessary project in Gort – transforming buildings like the Old Convent breathe life back into a town and will ensure it plays a central role in the area for years to come. I commend Galway County Council on their successful application and their vision to transform this building into a vibrant community hub.”

The Minister highlighted that the project builds on recent successful regeneration initiatives across County Galway, including the restoration of Tuam Town Hall, funding for the Old Railway Station in Tuam under the Thrive Fund, the Old Workhouse in Portumna, and the ongoing works at Loughrea Town Hall.

Minister Canney concluded: “I want to thank Minister Dara Calleary in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for supporting me in getting this funding over the line. The Rural Regeneration Development Fund itself was a scheme developed during my time as Minister of State in that Department, working alongside then-Minister Michael Ring, and it is brilliant to see it delivering real benefits to towns like Gort today.”