Longford Review of the Year November 2024: Taoiseach Simon Harris says regeneration of Longford town is a priority for Government

Regeneration a big priority for Harris

Taoiseach Simon Harris visited County Longford prior to the General Election and vowed to prioritise the regeneration of Longford Town, education and additional Gardaí.
The Fine Gael leader, who was on the campaign trail in the Midlands and west alongside Senator Micheál Carrigy, was given a warm welcome by staff and pupils at Templemichael College.
Mr Harris told the students during an assembly that they could do anything they put their minds to in their future careers.
Longford's multi-million euro regeneration blueprint is progressing with plans being developed for the former military barracks and moving the library there is one possible option.
Longford town is also set to benefit from funding of over €199,000 from THRIVE, for development of the former Connolly Barracks, which closed in 2009 and Mr Harris insisted regeneration of Longford town is a key objective.
"It will be a big priority and I've been working very closely with Micheál Carrigy on this," Mr Harris said.
Last June, Longford 2040: A Town Centre First Strategy, an ambitious plan that sets out a pathway for the revival and revitalisation of Longford Town, was launched and Mr Harris referred to that.
"I'm delighted we now have a Longford 2040 plan and I know that there are a number of really important aspects in terms of how we can regenerate the town," he said.
The Taoiseach also stated the Department of Rural and Community Development will be vitally important.
"What I would say to people in Longford is a couple of things, it's really important that we keep the Department of Rural and Community Development and are fully committed to that in Fine Gael because that is the department that I think will help provide a lot of the significant funding that will be needed," he said.

Protest in Solidarity for Palestine

The Longford Palestine Solidarity group organised and held a march in support of Palestine in Longford town during November.
The march saw over a hundred people in attendance, all showing up to show their support and solidarity with the people of Gaza and demanding an end to the genocide.
Notable figures were present at the event, like Sinn Féin Deputy Sorca Clarke who addressed the crowd and made clear that she fully supported bringing an end to the genocide.
People Before Profit General Election candidate Dave Smyth strongly condemned the genocide and demanded that the incoming government, who ever they may be take clear and decisive action.
Other election candidates Barry Campion (Sinn Féin), Deputy Joe Flaherty (Fianna Fáil) and Louise Heavin were also in attendance.

Water outages costing local businesses

Water outages and disruptions in county Longford this year have increased steadily by a substantial 74% and it is costing local businesses thousands of euro and damaging the local economy.
The data shows that there were 118 water outages between January 1 and November 5, 2024.
That compares to 69 in 2023 in the county.
Uisce Éireann confirmed there were 96 water outages in 2022, 108 in 2021, 76 in 2020, 118 in 2019 with 167 in 2018.