Major boost for ESPACE project as Longford allocated €100,000 in vital funding
ESPACE project by Longford County Council and Longford Comhairle na nÓg will be an inclusive and accessible outdoor space at the front of the Green in Edgeworthstown
The ESPACE project by Longford County Council and Longford Comhairle na nÓg in The Green, Edgeworthstown has received €100,000 as part of funding announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley.
ESPACE is one of four new recreational spaces for teenagers to benefit from the €400,000 funding announced on Monday by Minister Foley.
The four projects will provide safe, attractive place for young people to meet friends, spend time outdoors and engage in unstructured play and recreation.
ESPACE will be an inclusive and accessible outdoor space at the front of the Green in Edgeworthstown, where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered.
Key features will include sheltered areas for all-weather use, comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and accessible design. Physical activity elements, such as low-impact exercise equipment, will also be included to support wellbeing.
Accessibility and inclusion are central to the design. The layout allows for ease of movement for all users, including those with additional needs, and incorporates quieter areas for relaxation or for those with sensory sensitivities.
Minister Foley said ‘ESPACE will provide young people with opportunities to meet and spent time together in a place they can call their own’.
Deputy Micheál Carrigy said he was delighted to see Longford included in this funding for the ESPACE project in Edgeworthstown.
He added, “Having safe spaces, dedicated to our young people where they can meet and socialise in a place they can call their own is very important.”
Senator Joe Flaherty thanked Minister Foley and he also praised Cllr Mick Cahill for championing the ESPACE project with the Minister. “The project will be delivered at the popular Green recreation area and will include sheltered areas for all-weather use with comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and accessible design.”