EXCLUSIVE: Granard in line for major jobs boost

Local authority chiefs are to hold a meeting early next week to discuss the finer points of a business proposal to redevelop the north Longford town's vacant Barrack Lane Shopping Centre.

The 40,000 sq ft facility, built by the late PJ Matthews, was snapped up for €355,000 in a BidX1 online property auction at the end of September.

The Leader understands its new owner has made a submission to Longford County Council with a view to transforming the facility into a new commercial operation.

Senior officials from the local authority are expected to consider the plan more closely with a meeting scheduled for early next week.

When contacted by the Leader this evening, Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Mulleady gave his backing to the project.

He said any proposal which helped underpin future job creation within the county was something the Council remained keen to support.

"It's at an early stage but as chair of the Council I would be fully supportive of what can be brought in there," he said.

For more on this developing story, see next week's Longford Leader.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN READING: 

Vacant Barrack Lane Shopping Centre in Granard sold for €355,000