Commitment sought for Longford Civil Defence HQ

Longford County council is seeking a permanent base for the local Civil Defence unit.
At present Longford Civil Defence rent space in the former Eir HQ building, Templemichael Business Park, Ballinalee Road, Longford town.

At the September meeting of Longford County Council, Cllr Martin Monaghan called on the local authority and the Department of Defence to provide a permanent and suitable base for the organisation.
Cllr Monaghan told members the local Civil Defence support front line emergency services and requires a base to store vehicles and equipment as well as hosting training for members.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said the service has had a busy year, including missing person searches, charity events and community gatherings: “They have done 80 events this year, up from 76 last year. It is an unbelievable service and one we probably take for granted.”

Cllr Monaghan said the service is an integral part of the local community: “Civil Defence is 76 years old in 2026. There are 25 full time members. Everyone in this chamber knows how important their work is.”
Cllr Peggy Nolan said it was an excellent motion. “Civil Defence do phenomenal work. There isn't anything community based in this county that they do not attend.”

Director of Services with responsibility for Infrastructure, Climate Action and Innovation, Samantha Healy, said a site had been identified through business review: “There are a number of options to be looked at. The Department has indicated they will not fund a new site, but it is something that is at the forefront of our mind.”