Restoring abandoned historic buildings to public use is the goal in order to rejuvenate metropolitan areas.

The selected projects in Navan, Gorey, Mallow, Waterford, and Galway will be developed into theatres, arts centres, community gathering places, and kid-friendly tourist destinations.

Of the four projects that received €7 million, the St Finian's Seminary Study Hall in Navan, County Meath was one of them.

The town's abandoned building is a protected landmark and reportedly one of the few oval-shaped buildings in existence.

It will be transformed into the county archive and a new community centre.

In addition, the project will rehabilitate the building's surrounding public space by constructing outdoor performance areas and a natural amphitheatre.

The hub is intended to serve as a venue for exhibition space, classes, meetings, and community workshops. Historical documents, photos, and other historical materials will be housed in the County Archive.

Kieran Kehoe, the chief executive of Meath County Council, described the project as "transformative" and stated that it will "greatly enhance the town's social, cultural, economic, heritage, and environmental assets, making it an even better place to live, work, and visit".

The funds were given out as part of Ireland's two European Regional Development Fund programs under the "Thrive" Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.

Galway city is expected to get €3.8 million, while the projects in Navan, Co. Meath, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Mallow, Co. Cork, and Waterford City will each receive €7 million.