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Portumna Regeneration

Galway County Council is leading the regeneration of Portumna, investing in public spaces, services, and opportunities that revitalise the town for future generations.

Portumna is a town rich in heritage, natural beauty, and community spirit. Galway County Council recognises its unique potential and is committed to supporting its long-term regeneration. Through carefully considered planning and investment, the Regeneration Team in Galway County Council is working to enhance the town’s public spaces, renovate the heritage buildings, and bolster economic activity. 

This regeneration approach is about more than physical improvements—it’s about fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient town that reflects the needs and aspirations of its people, while celebrating what makes Portumna unique.


an aerial view of portumna harbour.

Portumna Projects

Public Realm Enhancement Project

The Portumna Public Realm Enhancement Project is a key initiative by Galway County Council aimed at revitalising the town centre and improving access to local natural and heritage attractions. Funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the scheme is part of the broader Portumna Vision 2030 programme, which seeks to position the town as a vibrant and sustainable hub within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. 

The enhancement plan focuses on:

  • Improving streetscapes and public spaces to make the town more attractive and accessible.
  • Creating green areas that support biodiversity and offer welcoming spaces for relaxation and recreation.
  • Enhancing pedestrian and cycling connectivity, including better links between the town centre and nearby recreational and tourism amenities.
  • Supporting the local economy by expanding pavement areas for outdoor business use and improving public lighting to encourage evening activity.

The project embraces placemaking principles, urban design, and sustainability, aiming to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and people-friendly environment for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

 


Portumna Public Realm

Sculpture Trail

The Portumna Sculpture Trail is part of the broader Portumna Town Trail initiative being developed by Galway County Council. This project aims to highlight and connect key cultural, historical, and natural sites throughout the town, with a strong emphasis on public art and placemaking.

As part of the trail, Galway County Council is identifying best practices for commissioning public artworks and sculptures at selected locations. These installations are intended to reflect Portumna’s heritage, community identity, and natural surroundings, while enhancing the visual and cultural experience for both residents and visitors.

The Sculpture Trail will be integrated into a user-friendly town map, with themed quadrants and trail hubs, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike. The initiative is part of a long-term strategy running through 2030, aiming to enrich the town’s public realm and support its regeneration through art, design, and community engagement.

 

 

 

 

Portumna Courthouse

The Portumna Courthouse has undergone a significant transformation as part of Galway County Council’s broader regeneration efforts. This 175-year-old building, long closed to the public, has been repurposed into a vibrant visual and performance arts space and enterprise hub which will serve the community.

The redevelopment, supported by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, has seen the courthouse restored and adapted to include:

  • An arts and exhibition space to support local cultural events and visual arts.
  • A remote working hub, offering flexible workspace for individuals and small businesses.
  • A café and outdoor social area, creating a welcoming space for both locals and visitors.
  • Facilities for performing groups, making use of the building’s generous interior space.

This project is a joint initiative between Galway County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development, and is considered a flagship example of adaptive reuse, preserving the architectural heritage of the courthouse while giving it a new, community-focused purpose. 

The beautifully restored building was officially launched on 25th June 2025 by Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney TD. 

The redevelopment is also closely tied to the Portumna Public Realm Enhancement Scheme and the Portumna Vision 2030 strategy, which together aim to revitalise the town centre and strengthen its role as a cultural and economic hub within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. 


Portumna Courthouse

Portumna Vision 2030

The Portumna Vision 2030 project is a transformative regeneration initiative aimed at revitalising the town of Portumna by 2030. Funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the project is spearheaded by Galway County Council in collaboration with various stakeholders including Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, the OPW, and local community and business groups. 

With a €1.19 million investment to develop a masterplan, the initiative focuses on enhancing the town’s cultural, economic, and environmental assets.

Key Project Highlights

Courthouse Redevelopment
The historic Courthouse has been transformed into a Community Arts Centre and Remote Working Hub breathing new life into a key heritage building. The Courthouse was officially launched on 25th June 2025 by Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney TD.

Public Realm Enhancements
Streets and public open spaces including Castle Avenue, St Patrick’s Street, Clonfert Avenue, and Abbey Street, will undergo significant upgrades to improve accessibility, aesthetics, and community use.