Plan to house Longford library in Connolly Barracks as part of multi-million euro regeneration

Longford's multi-million euro regeneration blueprint is progressing with plans currently being developed for the former military barracks and moving the library there is one possible option.

The details were outlined during a presentation on the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme – THRIVE at last week's meeting of Longford Municipal District.

Longford town is set to benefit from funding of over €199,000 from THRIVE, for development of the former Connolly Barracks, which closed in 2009.

The scheme, which was developed by the Southern Regional Assembly and the Northern & Western Regional Assembly, aims to allow citizens to revitalise town centres through the renovation and reuse of publicly owned vacant or derelict heritage buildings.

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The money is being received under the Strand 1 'Plans and project development measures' funding stream which is supported by Ireland's two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes.

Regeneration Officer Lorraine O’Connor said the former Connolly Barracks building has been included under their Strand 1 application.

"It is a big building but there are a lot of small spaces in it with big thick walls so we have to look at what we can do within the space to make it usable," she added.

Ms O'Connor stated they have appointed consultant Rob Byrne's architects and have been engaging with their business advisor.

"They are considering the feasibility and potential uses at the moment," she said. "We met with them last week and we gave them a long list of what we had identified are potential uses, what works best for the space and in the long-term how is this going to be sustainable for the town, the local authority and the people of Longford.”

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She said they are now considering those criteria.

Other possible options include locating a museum at the premises or the headquarters of ONE.

Ms O'Connor stated they are in the process of developing a plan that has to be submitted by the end of the year and they can then submit a Strand 2 application for 'Ready to go' capital works.

"There is up to €7million potentially (from Strand 2) with a March 2025 application deadline, but when you look at the work that has to be done it is not substantial," she said. "There are other opportunities around the rest of the site through the ERDF funding to do other projects on the site but THRIVE will specifically be looking at the one building at the front that we own."
Ms O'Connor said there will be engagement with stakeholders and communities and a part 8 application has to be lodged by December.

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"It's an extremely tight tight timeline to get this over the line," she added.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi said the scheme looks "like it will definitely add value to Longford".
Meanwhile, Cllr Seamus Butler said the THRIVE project has given them a substantial project to focus on.
Cllr Martin Monaghan described it as an iconic building in the centre of town.

"It's important we do not lose this opportunity because if we do it will be gone for 10 or 15 years," he added.