Looking back at 2022: April co:worx hub set to revive mid Longford town's economic fortunes

That was the overarching message as the eyes and ears of the wider public were given the chance to catch a first glimpse of co:worx, a €1m enterprise centre in the heart of the mid Longford town.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan said the end result was indicative of a community and urban centre that was very much on the crest of an economic wave.

"They have got a committee together of people that are like minded and who sees the value of what their town has to offer," she said of a band of local volunteers who helped bring the project to fruition.

"This is the home of innovation and a can do attitude, the home of people who won't let go and who will knock on every door possible to achieve what they want for the people that live in this town."

Cllr Nolan also singled out the part played by Longford County Council and a "forward thinking" executive spearheaded by its Chief Executive Paddy Mahon.

The volunteer-led project which is close to five years in the making will be able to cater for up to 38 remote workers and start-up entrepreneurs.

Hugh Quinn, Chairperson of Edgeworthstown Enterprise Hub Clg, the group behind the co:worx hub explained,

"In 2017 the Ulster Bank closed its branch and 100 plus people were getting on the train every morning leaving to work elsewhere so we put our development heads together and came up with idea of turning this building into a remote working hub.”