'Critical' that Longford town receives family resource centre funding

There is an urgent need for a Longford town family resource centre and Longford Oireachtas members have vowed to advocate strongly that the county town is one of five areas chosen to benefit from one.

That was the message as the Longford Family Resource Centre steering committee launched its Needs Assessment Report on Thursday.

Read more: Longford Westmeath Argentina Society annual asado in Abbeyshrule

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy, local Senator Joe Flaherty and his Fianna Fáil party colleague Robert Troy, Longford County Council Cathoirleach Garry Murtagh and Longford town Cllr Seamus Butler were present for the launch.

Veronica Brennan, chairperson of its steering committee said there was an immediate need for a centre in Longford town, and stated it could have an outreach service to Edgeworthstown.

There are currently two Family Resource Centres in the county Longford, based in Granard and Ballymahon.

An application was submitted to Tusla -the Child and Family Agency and it is one of 49 nationwide submissions which will be reviewed before a decision on which five will receive the first raft of funding is announced by October.

Ms Brennan confirmed the Attic House in Longford Town which was developed and is used by Foróige would be the premises for a family resource centre if the application is successful.

She described an FRC as being like a lighthouse in the middle of the stormy waters and the need for a family resource in Longford town was recognised over a decade ago, with an unsuccessful application made in 2017-2018.

"Longford more or less remained at illogical higher numbers in terms of deprivation of quality.

"I won't go into too much detail, I don't want to make people upset, maybe.

"But it speaks for itself. Child protection referrals are among the highest nationally, while poverty, housing and instability and school avoidance continue to rise.

"There is still a need, a universal need, for a community-led referral service here in Longford and it's still enduring, and it's urgent, and it's undeniable."

The report outlined Longford town now has one of the highest levels of deprivation in the country with almost 35% of residents born overseas, 6% identifying as members of the Traveller community and over 24% of residents living with a disability.

It is hoped that additional money for a further five family resource centres will be ringfenced in Budget 2026 so 10 may be approved by October.

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy acknowledged the massive amount of voluntary work and time and effort that has been put in by various agencies and individuals during the past 12-to-18 months and during the unsuccessful application in 2017-2018.

He stated they will continue highlighting the need for an FRC for Longford town to address the 'big issues' in the county town and wider communities with a determination to deliver the service.

"It's an investment in our people.

"It's an investment in our children's future and our belief that every child and every family deserves that opportunity to thrive."

Deputy Carrigy said funding was ringfenced and put in place in Budget 2025 for five family resource centres and he believes the need of Longford town 'outweighed' many other areas.

"I know an announcement is due in the coming months with regard to this and I will advocate strongly that we must be included."

However, the Ballinalee native insisted they must stay calm and tempered if they are not as Budget 2026 will offer a further opportunity.

"I want to make sure that additional family resource centers are approved in Budget 2026.

"It's a number one priority for me."

Longford Fianna Fáil Senator Joe Flaherty said it is a very 'competitive space' with 49 applications across the country.

"I think people realise the value of a family resource centre and no where more than Longford where we see the benefits accruing in Ballymahon and Granard.

"But at the same time we would probably make the point that the greater deprivation and greatest socio-economic challenges facing our county are in fact in Longford town so it is critical that this application is successful."

Need to invest in Longford town communities Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Garry Murtagh said a family resource centre in Longford town would be a wonderful amenity.

"I believe passionately that we must all invest in our community, especially those in the greatest need so that no one is left behind.

"Fortunately in our county, we have two fantastic family resource centres, Lus na Gréine in Granard and Bridgeways in Ballymahon."

Cllr Murtagh said he is personally aware and he witnesses the fantastic work Lus na Gréine does as it is located in his own locality Granard Municipal District.

He stated the amenity has given wonderful support to the town and surrounding areas and Bridgeways has benefited in a similar way and it also continues to deliver hugely positive results.

"I don't think that Longford town should be left behind," he added.

Cllr Murtagh said the report 'spoke volumes' about the issues that local people face in the county town and the surrounding communities.

"While there are some fantastic agencies delivering some elements of what an FRC is meant to do, however, there is a decent issue."

Cllr Murtagh said Longford town people are currently relying on overfunded and overloaded services for a lot of people.

He stated a Family Resource Centre can provide 'universal and accessible support'.

The Needs Assessment Report was commissioned by Longford County Council, in partnership with Sláintecare Healthy Communities and the Longford Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) to explore the need for a Family Resource Centre in Longford town and its surrounding areas.

Read more: Critical water mains work in south county Longford set to begin according to Uisce Éireann

Led by researcher Louise Monaghan (Elm Training) in partnership with a local advisory group the Needs Assessment Consultation was rolled out with individuals taking part in focus groups, one-to-one interactions and consultations.