‘It’s important we get shovels in the ground': Progress continues on north Longford tourism project

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke was in Granard on Monday attending a roundtable meeting held to progress the Granard Motte project.

The Longford Westmeath TD said it was important to get all the key stakeholders together in one room to see what the next steps are in this important project.

“The community here in Granard have been putting huge time and resources into building a strong business case to develop Granard Motte, to reach its potential and play a key role in Longford tourism, all while recognising the important cultural and historical value the site has,” stated Minister Burke.

Also read: Archery arrows will be flying in Longford this weekend as Granard hosts major event

He continued, “The project received significant government funding from my Fine Gael colleague Minister Heather Humphreys, as well as financial support from Longford County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

“It was important to gather all the key actors in one room, and we heard from Paddy Matthews and Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, from the Chief Executive and senior staff of Longford County Council and crucially from the members of the Granard Motte Community Enterprise Committee.

PICTURES | Having a Ball: Style and glamour galore in Longford

“We heard from Moira Mahon and Cllr Padraig McNamara, who recently was elected to Longford County Council with Granard Motte, one of his key projects. Fr Simon Cadam also highlighted the work being undertaken and the value the project would add to the community.

Also read: 1,649 Longford pupils are learning in overcrowded classes of 25 or more

“Next steps were identified with Fáilte Ireland committing to updating the business case with the council with a view to tendering for the project as soon as possible.”

Minister Burke said he was committed to keeping in touch with all sides, along with his colleague Senator Micheál Carrigy. “I will be raising resourcing with Minister Humphreys and requesting a small increase based on the inflationary pressures the project is under considering it was initially costed a number of years ago. It’s important we keep this momentum going and get shovels in the ground as soon as possible.

Also read: Judge activates suspended portion of sentence for man convicted of Longford school robbery

“I am really looking forward to the Committee’s work coming to fruition and for this site to reach its potential and become part of a strong tourism offering in Longford and the midlands.”

PICTURES | A superb evening of entertainment as curtain comes down on Longford's First Fridays initiative