‘Clear plan’ needed to ensure Longford St Patrick’s Day parade proceeds

Councillor Kevin Hussey has called on Longford County Council to put in place a clear plan of action for the town’s St Patrick’s Day parade in order to avoid the near calamity that occurred last year when the Chamber of Commerce withdrew just five weeks prior, leaving plans in disarray and the event in doubt. 

Cllr Hussey said that had it not been for council staff and the night time economy team, particularly Karen Reilly and Denise Canavan, taking the reins of the event at such short notice, the parade - which is of enormous benefit to the town - would not have gone ahead.

Cllr Hussey pointed out that a “clear, agreed and time-bound framework” was required for the organisation of the annual parade including the early designation of a lead organising body, defined roles and responsibilities for all participating organisations, an agreed timelines for delivery, and a back up plan to ensure the parade can still go ahead if an organiser withdraws.”

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“This framework should be confirmed well in advance of each St Patricks Day to provide certainty for volunteers, community groups, local businesses, and the wider public, and it will help to avoid a repeat of difficulties experienced in 2025.”

Cllr Hussey recalled how last year they had themselves “in a very difficult position” when the organising body withdrew from their duties around the parade just five weeks before the big day. 

He added, “The St Patrick’s Day parade is our most important civic cultural event of the year and it showcases Longford to visitors, supports local businesses and brings communities together. An event this important should not be left to last minute changes.”  

Cllr Niall Gannon seconded the motion. In response, Acting Director of Services Michael Nevin said the council would “step into the breach again,” to organise the parade and look at structures for the organising of future parades. 

Director of Services John Brannigan told the chamber that an estimated figure of “€20,000 from the Municipal District Allocation Fund would be required for the parade to proceed.” 

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Voicing her support for Cllr Hussey’s “excellent notice of motion”, Cllr Peggy Nolan highlighted another issue with regard to last year’s event, namely the number of businesses that were closed on the day. 

Cllr Nolan said she “could not understand” why businesses would remain shut when they should have been availing of the influx of people coming into the town.  

She said, “The parade is something that everybody in the entire community looks forward to. We here in the chamber helped support and fund last year’s event and yet so many businesses that could have gained so much were closed. 

“I can’t understand the logic behind it. For goodness sake, open the business and provide whatever for people coming in. It’s an all day event! 

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“The businesses have to realise we are doing this for them; to bring business to your business, so open your business on the day and be more proactive!”

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