Former New Ross meat market transformed into community hub
Wexford PeopleOfficial opening of The Shambles in Mary Street, New Ross. Opened by Minister Dara Calleary. Photo; Mary Browne
Official opening of The Shambles in Mary Street, New Ross. Photo; Mary Browne
Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council Joe Sullivan making a presentation to Minister Dara Calleary with Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal Council John Dwyer. Photo; Mary Browne
Official opening of The Shambles in Mary Street, New Ross. Minister Dara Calleary. Photo; Mary Browne
Official opening of The Shambles in Mary Street, New Ross. Minister James Browne and Minister Dara Calleary. Photo; Mary Browne
Official opening of The Shambles in Mary Street, New Ross. Alan Fitzhenry New Ross District manager. Photo; Mary Browne
Official opening of The Shambles in Mary Street, New Ross. Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal Council John Dwyer. Photo; Mary Browne
Official opening of The Shambles in Mary Street, New Ross. Minister James Browne. Photo; Mary Browne
Official opening of The Shambles in Mary Street, New Ross. Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council Joe Sullivan. Photo; Mary Browne
Minister Dara Calleary. Photo; Mary Browne
Cathaoirleach of WCC Joe Sullivan, Diirector of Services Eamonn Hore, Minister Dara Calleary, and Cathaoirleach of the NRMD John Dwyer at the official opening of The Shambles in New Ross.
One of New Ross’s most historic sites has been fully restored for public use and has already played host to a certain Mr Claus during his visit to the Wexford town. The Shambles on Mary Street, which was a popular meat market for many years, had fallen into a state of dereliction prior to an “extensive regeneration project” which has transformed it into hub for “community events and gatherings”.
Officially opened by Minister for Community Development Dara Calleary TD on Wednesday morning, The Shambles proved a perfect venue for Santa and his gang last month as they welcomed children into a specially designed grotto. The project was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gealtacht under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, with additional funding provided by Wexford County Council (WCC).
And Minister Calleary said projects like this were designed to breathe life back into rural towns across the country.
“The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 and is designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout the country. Since its inception almost €184m has been allocated to over 1,800 projects across the country. Of that, over €9m has been allocated to projects here in Co Wexford,” he said.
“The Government is proud to have supported the transformation of these areas in Wexford. This is the kind of investment that pays dividends well into the future, encouraging people to come together while strengthening the community.”
The minister was joined at the opening by cathaoirleach of WCC, Councillor Joe Sullivan who described The Shambles as “a beautifully restored space that breathes new life into the town” and praised the “exceptional craftmanship” of the designers.
With a decorative iron lean-to style roof and central location, The Shambles is now equipped to accommodate a multitude of events such as exhibitions, performances, and a wide range of community events throughout the year. And cathaoirleach of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) Cllr John Dwyer, said it will form part of a new era for the town.
“To see this building restored with the attention to detail as is evident here today is wonderful. The official opening marks the completion of a long-held local ambition to breathe new life into this historic stall market and secure its place as a key amenity in the ongoing regeneration of New Ross town centre."
Chief Executive of WCC, Eddie Taaffe, said, “We extend our gratitude to the dedicated contractors and municipal district crew whose craftmanship has revitalised The Shambles, creating a welcoming space that honours its rich past while embracing a bright future for our community.”