‘Incredible’ support for South Longford community house and playground

A large number of local residents and political representatives showed their support for the development of a community house and playground in Kenagh recently at a community consultation event.

Local woman Tiffani Hunt, who formed a committee with other parents, said an updated, modern, safe and accessible playground and community house is 'long overdue' and there was an 'incredible' turnout.

She stated they estimate that since 2016 the population has increased by more than one-third to 753 people.

"Thirty-four per cent of the population are children under 17 years of age so a lot of parents and families have to go further afield to Ballymahon or Longford town if they wanted some sort of a facility for their children to play in.

"To have something more local is a lot more beneficial for everyone involved."

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Tiffani said public transport and taxis come with limitations, particularly for parents who are working during the day.
"Our main goal was to provide something that benefits everyone and children of all ages in the village.

"We do have a lot of plans in place like a toddler playground to a playground that would suit older children and even teenagers as well."

Tiffani said there was a huge outpouring of support from locals who came to voice their opinions, which is what they wanted.

"It is a community house and we wanted the community to be involved.

"We also had a good few councillors and TDs, it was really incredible.

"We had Councillor Sean Mimnagh, he has been a driving force for us and he has been helping us since the start in pushing forward.

"We also had Cllr Mick Cahill and Cllr Paul Ross and TDs Micheál Carrigy and Kevin 'Boxer' Moran.

"It was absolutely incredible, especially as they all voiced their support for us."

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Tiffani said they have three phases in place with each one suiting different age groups.

She stated the first is the establishment of a fully accessible, inclusive playground for babies and toddlers up to four.

They also want to cater for people with disabilities, special educational needs and they will have sensory toys and sensory aspects.

The second phase would focus more on the community house with teens and adults set to benefit.

"We would be able to provide safe, open space in the house for those to avail of the likes of fitness classes, cooking classes, Foróige, men's sheds and even providing a space for counselling and social support services."

Tiffani said they hope to have an area where people can come together and socialise and learn new skills and they are keen to get more local people involved and 'drum up that support'.

She stated a central location for the community house and playground is very important so that everyone can benefit as a lot of people do not have a reliable form of transport and they are greatly encouraged.

"The next stage will focus on the funding aspects and there is a lot of work to do in terms of the grounds and the house.

"We are looking to get the funding approval in place and we are starting to plan some fundraisers as well."

Several political representatives including Longford Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy and Fianna Fáil Cllr Sean Mimnagh were in attendance.