Plans to expand education provisions in Connolly Barracks

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board have made an application to Longford County Council planners to develop their educational facilities at Connolly Barracks.

The Education and Training Board's application is for the change of use of the former gymnasium building to educational use, including alterations to the existing elevations, the change of use of the former ration store building to a canteen and welfare facility including alterations to existing elevations, along with a proposed extension to the west elevation to facilitate a new entrance lobby and welfare toilets.

The application also seeks to include a new glazed link extension to the south elevation of the proposed canteen and welfare facility, together with all associated ancillary site works.
LWETB say they intend to expand its Further Education and training (FET) provision in Longford with the introduction of electrical apprenticeship training at Connolly Campus.
The local ETB described the move as “a significant milestone”.

In a statement to the leader the education body said: “The recently submitted planning application for Connolly Barracks outlines a strategic vision to repurpose existing structures on this historic site.”
The focal point of the plan is the conversion of the gymnasium building into four workshop spaces, and the conversion of the former ration store building which will become a canteen and welfare facility serving the entire site.

The LWETB statement continued: “This continued investment into Connolly Campus is funded by SOLAS and DFHERIS and is in keeping with national policy around the expansion of apprenticeship schemes. LWETB currently have approval to pursue the design phase of the project and look forward to progressing the project through to construction.”

They conclude by saying: “LWETB’s pursuit of planning permission is a clear commitment to the community and emphasises its commitment to enhancing the FET provision within the region.”
The local authority planners have earmarked January 13 as a decision date for the application.
Longford College of Further Education also has an expanding college in the heart of Longford located in LWETB’s Connolly Campus on the Battery Road.

Longford College of Further Education has state of the art facilities and qualified staff committed to supporting students in the Midlands area.