Former Longford post office building to be transformed into tourist office
The funding will be used for a dedicated tourism office, public events space and a shared working area
The former post office building on Lower Main Street, Longford is set for dramatic refurbishment and transformation thanks to an allocation of almost €800,000 under the Community Support Funding as part of the EU Just Transition Fund Programme.
Minister Darragh O’Brien has announced the award of €793,822 to Longford County Council for the Longford Enterprise and Energy Centre community-led project at the historic former post office.
Senator Joe Flaherty has welcomed the funding and he said the funding will enable the development of a dedicated tourism office, public events space and a shared working area.
He added, "The move represents a major step by the local authority in the redevelopment of Lower Main Street, which sadly is one of the most derelict and under-developed areas of the town.”
Senator Flaherty continued, “Allied with plans for the refurbishment of the old Connolly Barracks building and the ETB’s ongoing works on the Connolly Barracks site (developing an apprenticeship hub for sixty electricians), these are significant and major catalysts for change this end of the town.
"Already at least two notable Lower Main Street buildings are poised for major private sector redevelopment in the area,” he added.
The building dates from 1894 and was a purpose built post office which has retained its early form and character.
"It is one of relatively few red brick buildings in Longford Town, making it quite distinctive in the streetscape."
Minister O’Brien said, “The funding has been targeted at the people and communities most effected by the cessation of peat extraction in the Midlands.
The Longford Enterprise and Energy Centre project represents an important part of the journey to a lower carbon-future which is fair for all. I look forward to witnessing the benefits to the social fabric, economy and environment that these initiatives will provide.”
Deputy Micheál Carrigy welcomed the positive news and said the Community Support funding is jointly supported by the EU and the Irish Government.
Minister of State and TD for Longford/Westmeath, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has also warmly welcomed the funding.
“This is a project that I have strongly supported from the get-go and I am delighted with the funding announced by my colleague, Minister Darragh O’Brien.
The funding is aimed at supporting Local Economic and Community Plans to provide new employment opportunities, for workers and communities that were heavily dependent on peat extraction.
It provides targeted support to projects that will boost resilience of communities and the economic fabric of the wider Midland