Regeneration of Longford town a big priority for Taoiseach Simon Harris

Taoiseach Simon Harris visited county Longford on Tuesday and vowed to prioritise the regeneration of Longford town, education and additional Gardaí.

The Fine Gael leader, who was on the campaign trail in the Midlands and west alongside Senator Micheál Carrigy, was given a warm welcome by staff and pupils at Templemichael College.

Mr Harris told the students during an assembly that they could do anything they put their minds to in their future careers.

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

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Longford town is also set to benefit from funding of over €199,000 from THRIVE, for development of the former Connolly Barracks, which closed in 2009 and Mr Harris insisted regeneration of Longford town is a key objective.

"It will be a big priority and I've been working very closely with Senator Micheál Carrigy on this," Mr Harris said.

Last June, Longford 2040: A Town Centre First Strategy, an ambitious plan that sets out a pathway for the revival and revitalisation of Longford Town, was launched and Mr Harris referred to that.

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"I'm delighted we now have a Longford 2040 plan and I know that there are a number of really important aspects in terms of how we can regenerate the town," he said.

The Taoiseach also stated the Department of Rural and Community Development will be vitally important.

"What I would say to people in Longford is a couple of things, it's really important that we keep the Department of Rural and Community Development and are fully committed to that in Fine Gael because that is the department that I think will help provide a lot of the significant funding that will be needed," he said.

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"I know that Micheál Carrigy has been working very strongly on the issue of the Family Resource Centre, I am fully committed to that. If my party is back in Government we will deliver that Family Resource Centre."

The Taoiseach met students in their art class, other youngsters learning Spanish and he engaged with young people during woodwork class.

He stated he also wanted to look at the opportunity of getting a third level presence in county Longford and he has started conversations with the Technological University of the Shannon "about how they can provide more educational opportunities in Longford".

Mr Harris also stated he is told regularly by people in Longford about the importance of Garda numbers and they will open a new Garda college and further increase the Garda training allowance.

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"There has to be (more guards) and I know it's a very big issue and we obviously have the Community Safety Partnership now."

Mr Harris said he is 'cautiously optimistic' about Senator Micheál Carrigy chances of taking a seat in the General Election on November 29 and he appealed to the people of Longford to vote for him.

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"I really want him on my team, he shares my values, we both have a similar background in terms of our passion around autism and we are both influenced by our family experience," he said.