New Chapter for Gorey as €9m Market House Regeneration Begins

A historic new chapter for Gorey officially began on Friday, 4th September, as Minister James Browne, TD performed the official turning of the sod ceremony to break ground on the highly anticipated Gorey Market House Regeneration Project, joined by Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council and Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District.

The ceremony marks the official commencement of the construction phase on site by Nevin Construction which follows the formal signing of contracts on 30^th June.  As the oldest building in Gorey and one of the oldest surviving market houses in Ireland, the landmark structure is set to transform into a vibrant, modern centre for culture, creativity, and community. Located in the heart of Gorey, County Wexford, the historic Gorey Market House is about to undergo a major regeneration that will breathe new life into this early 19th‑century landmark. Long a focal point for the town, the project aims to reimagine the vacant Market House for future generations while carefully conserving its architectural and cultural heritage.

The Southern Regional Assembly, as Managing Authority for the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, is working 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. Designed in line with the New European Bauhaus principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and beauty, the project has already earned national and European recognition as a model for heritage-led renewal and adaptive reuse. Inclusivity has been embedded from the outset. Extensive community engagement has fostered strong local ownership of the project.  This partnership between the local authority and the demonstrate an initiative that has been codesigned by the people of Gorey.

Speaking at the site on Friday, Minister James Browne stated:

“I am delighted to be here today to mark the official start of the Gorey Market House Regeneration Project with the turning of the sod. This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, and the European Union under the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027, and Wexford County Council.  “The Gorey Market House is an important part of Gorey's history and identity as a Market town and has provided many uses to the town over the years. This project will help revitalise and renew this once bustling building and provide a new focal point in the heart of an already thriving town, creating a place the whole community can experience once again and showcase the pride the community has through its culture, enterprise, tourism, and creativity.”

Cllr. Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, emphasised the collaborative funding effort that made the project possible, "I am delighted to see this significant investment in the Gorey Market House, consisting of €7 million under THRIVE EU Funding with the Southern Regional Assembly, matched by a further €2 million investment by Wexford County Council.  This project will sensitively restore and repurpose the historic building as a dedicated space for the community of Gorey and North Wexford, safeguarding its architectural heritage and establishing a sustainable, inclusive public amenity for all."

Welcoming the official groundbreaking, Cllr. Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach of the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, highlighted the impact the development will have on Gorey “The regeneration of this historic building for community and cultural use means we are not only preserving its heritage but transforming the building for the future as a vibrant hub for creativity, connectivity, and shared experiences. We look forward to working with Nevin Construction on the delivery of this landmark initiative."

Also in attendance at the event were the Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe and Director of Services Liz Hore, Wexford County Council, Elected Members, representatives from Southern Regional Assembly and members of the Gorey Market House Steering Group.

Once completed, the restored Market House and public realm will become an exemplar cultural anchor on Main Street and a vibrant civic destination in the heart of Gorey.  Its flexible indoor and outdoor spaces will actively support local exhibitions, performances, workshops, markets, and cultural activities for residents and visitors alike, allowing the building to evolve with the needs of the town.