Athenry Regeneration

Burke’s Lane Enterprise Hub and Community Space: A New Space for Innovation in Athenry

Galway County Council is transforming a long-vacant building at the junction of Burke’s Lane and Northgate Street into a vibrant multi-purpose community and enterprise hub. This project is part of a broader strategy to support rural regeneration, remote working, and town centre revitalisation under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS).

The building—locally known as Somers House, was acquired by Galway County Council in 2022 with funding from the TVRS Building Acquisition Measure. Additional funding was secured to progress planning and design under the TVRS Project Development Measure.

What Will the Hub Offer?

The redeveloped facility will provide:

• Hot-desking and co-working spaces
• Meeting rooms and breakout areas
• High-speed broadband connectivity
• Flexible workspaces for remote workers, freelancers, and small businesses
• Community event and training spaces

This hub will be part of the Connected Hubs network, supporting the growing demand for remote and hybrid working options in County Galway. 

Planning & Design

The project has progressed through Part 8 planning and is designed with sensitivity to Athenry’s historic character. Located within the Architectural Conservation Area, the building’s redevelopment will respect its heritage while introducing modern functionality.

As part of the Athenry Town Public Realm Enhancement Project – Phase 1, Cross Street, North Gate Street, Davis Street, Burke’s Lane, and the Market Square will undergo a thoughtful transformation which blends built heritage with contemporary urban design. This initiative, led by the Regeneration Team, is focused on creating a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant town centre.

What’s Changing in the town centre?

North Gate Street, Davis Street, Burke’s Lane, and Cross Street, will benefit from a series of carefully planned upgrades:

• New Paved Surfaces: location specific paving will enhance walkability and visual appeal.
• Improved Lighting: Modern, energy-efficient lighting will improve safety and ambiance.
• Landscaping & Street Furniture: Soft landscaping and new seating areas will make the town centre more inviting for residents and visitors alike.
• Pedestrian Priority: After 11am daily, Burke’s Lane and The Square will become a pedestrian-first civic space, encouraging footfall and social interaction.
• Undergrounding of services: Overhead lines will be removed and placed underground, decluttering the streetscape and protecting the visual integrity of the historic streetscape.
• Cycle Parking & Tree Planting: Sustainable modes of transport and green infrastructure are key features of the plan.

A Heritage-Sensitive Approach

The proposed works lie within Athenry’s Architectural Conservation Area and the zone of archaeological potential for the historic town. The regeneration works are designed to respect and enhance this unique streetscape and takes into consideration the setting of the Athenry Market Cross which is a National Monument.

Designed with the Community in Mind

This project reflects the input of local residents and businesses, many of whom contributed through the “Reimagine Athenry” consultation. The goal is to create a space that supports local enterprise, encourages tourism, and fosters a stronger sense of place.

The BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry is the result of a bold and collaborative vision led by Galway County Council to position the West of Ireland as a national leader in food innovation, entrepreneurship, and rural enterprise.

From Concept to Campus

The journey began in 2017, when Galway County Council, in partnership with Teagasc, GRETB, LEO Galway, Western Development Commission, SCCUL Enterprises CLG, and the Athenry Community Council, commissioned a feasibility study to explore the potential for a dedicated food innovation hub in Athenry.

This study confirmed a strong demand for a facility that could support food entrepreneurs at every stage, from idea to export. The Council led the development of a robust business case and secured funding through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, with over €5 million in support.

A Model of Partnership

Galway County Council played a central role in:

• Coordinating stakeholders across public, private, and community sectors
• Securing the site on the Teagasc campus in Athenry
• Driving planning and design in line with local development goals
• Championing the project at regional and national levels

This collaborative model ensured that the campus would not only meet the needs of food businesses, but also align with broader goals for rural regeneration, skills development, and economic resilience.

Strategic Investment in the Region

The BIA Innovator Campus is more than a building, it’s a strategic investment in the future of the West. 

It supports:

• Job creation (360+ jobs projected)
• Enterprise scaling through incubation and production facilities
• Training and education via GRETB and Teagasc partnerships
• Food tourism and innovation as part of Ireland’s agri-food strategy

A Legacy of Leadership

Galway County Council’s leadership in the BIA Innovator Campus reflects its broader commitment to place-based economic development, empowering communities through targeted investment, infrastructure, and innovation.

The Athenry Town Wall Walk, also known as the Athenry Architectural Trail, is a self-guided walking route developed by Galway County Council as part of its Walking and Cycling Routes Programme, to showcase the town’s rich medieval and architectural heritage. It’s part of a broader initiative to promote active travel, cultural tourism, and local engagement with Athenry’s historic environment.

The walk takes you through the heart of Athenry, highlighting key heritage sites such as:

• Athenry Castle – a 13th-century Norman fortress
• The Town Walls – among the most complete in Ireland
• The North Gate – a surviving medieval gateway
• Athenry Dominican Priory – founded in 1241
• Market Cross – a rare and ornate 15th-century monument
• Historic streetscapes – including Cross Street, North Gate Street, and Burke’s Lane

Interpretive signage and maps help guide walkers through the route, offering insights into the town’s architecture, archaeology, and social history.

Designed for Accessibility

The trail is:

• Short and walkable (typically under 1 hour)
• Family-friendly
• Integrated with the town’s public realm improvements
• Linked to other walking and cycling routes in County Galway

A Living Heritage Experience

The Athenry Town Walk is part of Galway County Council’s broader commitment to:

• Promoting sustainable tourism
• Encouraging active lifestyles
• Celebrating local identity and heritage

It also complements regeneration projects like the Public Realm Enhancement Scheme and the Burke’s Lane Remote Working Hub, helping to create a more connected and vibrant town centre.