Rianxo (A Coruña), 11 September 2026 — The Xunta de Galicia has opened the first phase of the energy-efficiency refurbishment and improvement of the historic building of the Confraría de Pescadores Virxe do Carme on Paseo da Ribeira opened. Ángeles Vázquez Suárez, Director-General for Fisheries Development, highlighted at the opening the project’s contribution to maritime identity and strengthening public life in the municipality. The regional government provided more than 68,000 euros for the work, which, according to its figures, was 70 per cent co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
The completed construction phase focused on the building envelope and remedying structural defects. External thermal insulation was installed on the upper façades, and windows and seals were replaced. The roof covering, including downpipes and internal gutters, was repaired, and moisture problems were addressed. The external staircases were also refurbished and corrosion damage repaired. The Xunta puts the investment in this phase at “more than 70,000 euros” and specifies that the public grant came from funds allocated through the local action group network GALP Ría de Arousa of the
The second phase of the project has been prepared but not yet carried out. Plans include upgrading technical installations and furnishing the interior, to allow the building to be used on a permanent basis as an exhibition and education centre for the maritime culture of the Ría de Arousa. The plans include a permanent exhibition on local fishing traditions and a multi-purpose space for training, industry meetings and information activities relating to fishery and shellfish products. This use is intended to restore the building’s community role and complement the local economic structure and tourist offer.
The opening took place in Rianxo on 11 September 2026. Regional media reported that same day on the scope of the work, the amount of funding and the aims explained at the site. The Xunta’s official information and media reports agree on the key points. It remains unclear for now what operating costs and follow-up funding the second phase will require, and when the project can become fully operational.
With the refurbishment of the historic Confraría headquarters, the Xunta is pursuing cultural and historical goals alongside energy policy objectives: the improved building envelope is intended to reduce consumption and emissions, while creating a public space in Rianxo for sharing the area’s maritime history. For the local coastal sector, the project could provide additional educational opportunities and a professional platform for marketing initiatives.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).