Council move to progress development of historic Longford site

The planning procedure is to move on with plans to develop the historic building.

Before a local authority can undertake any developments or works, it must first complete the planning procedure set out in Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.

Public consultation is a fundamental element of the Part VIII planning application process.

This consultation procedure requires that notice of the proposed development is given in an approved newspaper and that a site notice is erected on the land on which the proposed development would be situated.

Rose Cottage is very closely linked to Longford's most prominent War of Independence leader Sean Mac Eoin. Rural regeneration funding for Longford announced last February will see the renovation of the significant local historical site. Earlier this year Rose Cottage received €236,000 to complete renovation works ongoing at the site for years.

The location was Sean Mac Eoin's home during the War of Independence. The Blacksmith of Ballinalee was a senior IRA leader, Irish Army General and served as a TD for Longford, holding Ministerial portfolios in successive governments. Mac Eoin died at the age of 79 in 1973.

The planned works for Rose Cottage include the removal of internal walls to create a larger room from two small rooms to facilitate the proposed use and relocation of the bathroom to a larger room. These works are proposed to prepare the building for its new role.

The project includes changing the use of a building from a residential cottage to a coffee shop and interpretive centre. The aim is to provide historical information about the cottage, Ballinalee and the famous battle. The coffee shop will provide an attractive place for refreshments.

In 2007 the council rejected an application to demolish the historic building to make way for a housing development.