Disappointment as Longford misses out on Family Resource Centre despite 'crying need'

There is considerable disappointment in Longford after it was confirmed recently that the county town won’t be one of five locations to see the establishment of a new Family Resource Centre (FRC).

In July, the Needs Assessment Report for the development of a Family Resource Centre in Longford Town was published and The Attic House on the Ballinalee Road was identified as the premises for a new FRC.

That report highlighted that ‘Longford now has one of the highest levels of deprivation in the country, with 34.65% of residents born overseas, 6% identifying as members of the Traveller community, and over 24% of residents living with a disability. Child protection referrals are among the highest nationally, while poverty, housing instability, and school avoidance continue to rise’.

Deputy Micheál Carrigy commented, “As a member of the voluntary steering committee that worked together to submit an excellent application and produce a Needs Assessment Report that highlights the need for a FRC in Longford town, I am extremely disappointed that we were not successful in the recent announcement.”

Local Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus Butler, the only county councillor on the steering committee led by chair Veronica Brennan, described the decision as a notable setback.

"It's extremely disappointing because, we made a very strong case and the dependency in Longford and the crying need for it.
“I do doubt and I can't see any of the other areas that were granted would be worse than Longford in their need for it.”

The five areas chosen were; Cabra Family Community Development Group, South Monaghan FRC Advisory Group, Dundalk Counselling Service, Leixlip Youth and Community Centre, and Bru Bhride, Churchview, Tuam

Cllr Butler said he believed there was a significant need for an FRC in Longford town.

"The level of deprivation in the area and the crying need for it is totally obvious on the statistics, and I can't see why Longford was left out.

In the other areas that I saw, I don't believe that there is the same level of dependency and deprivation. "

Cllr Butler said is hoped that additional money for a further five family resource centres will be ringfenced after Budget 2026 and there is hope that Longford will then get a reprieve and be chosen.

"The good news, if there is any good news out of it, is that hopefully with the budget coming up early and then for 2026, early 2026, we will be allocated the necessary grant.

"We are ready to go with the The Attic House and we have a place ready if we do get [chosen in the second allocation]
"If we don't and we are going to be put through the mill again, it's extremely frustrating."

Fianna Fáil Senator Joe Flaherty remarked, “It is a very disappointing decision but it is clear that it was a very challenging process and all five sites chosen have similar challenges and issues to Longford town.”

The need for a FRC in Longford town was recognised over a decade ago, with an unsuccessful application made in 2017-2018.
There are currently two Family Resource Centres in the county Longford, based in Granard and Ballymahon.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD outlined that a comprehensive national application and assessment process was undertaken, led by Tusla and independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick.

It is understood 49 applications were considered with only five applicants successful, however, depending on Budget 2026 another five family resource centres may receive funding and may be selected in early-2026

Longford County Council has expressed disappointment that the application for a Family Resource Centre in Longford Town was not successful in being included as one of the five new Family Resource Centres announced by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, as part of the expansion of the Tusla National Programme for 2025.

However, the council welcomes the Minister’s statement that there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres going forward over the lifetime of Government and hopes that the Longford application will be successful when the next expansion is announced.ll be allocated core funding of €160,000 for each full year of operation.

Senator Flaherty remarked, “The positive is that we made a strong submission and I have spoken at length this morning with Minister Norma Foley on the issue. We are now in a budget window and I impressed upon her the need to ensure additional funding in Budget 2026 for the continued rollout nationally of FRCs.”

He concluded, “I am confident that the Minister intends to press for this and in the coming weeks I will be meeting with the Minister in anticipation of Budget 2026 to make the case for Longford and to ensure that we feature in 2026.”

Deputy Carrigy stressed that it is important the steering committee and political representatives retain the focus because the need for a FRC remains.

He continued, “I have spoken to Minister Foley and highlighted the need for further funding to be allocated in Budget 2026 for additional FRCs to be established.

“I have also spoken to officials in TUSLA again to highlight the needs on the ground in Longford town.”

Deputy Carrigy concluded, “The establishment of a FRC in Longford town is a priority for me and I will continue to work towards a positive result.”

Longford County Council expressed disappointment that the application for a Family Resource Centre in Longford Town was not successful in being included as one of the five new Family Resource Centres announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley.

However, a local authority spokesperson said that the “council welcomes the Minister’s statement that there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres going forward over the lifetime of Government and hopes that the Longford application will be successful when the next expansion is announced”.

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