Longford County Council welcomes €3.7 million in EU Just Transition funding

Longford County Council has welcomed the allocation of almost €3.7 million for six projects under the EU Just Transition Fund. The scheme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and is administered by Pobal.

The EU JTF START Programme supports high-impact local infrastructure that delivers climate action and wider social benefits, helping to strengthen the resilience of communities across the Just Transition Territory and create more sustainable places for the future.

The funding of €3,697,795 will support energy upgrades to public buildings, the regeneration of important sites and the development of a cross-county greenway. It will also help the Council to deliver key actions in the County Longford Climate Action Plan 2024–2029.

The six projects selected for funding include a variety of innovative initiatives.

1) Just over €1.6 million for the decarbonisation of Áras an Chontae.

This funding will support a full energy upgrade of Áras an Chontae, making the building more energy efficient. The works are expected to cut the building’s carbon emissions by more than half while lifting the energy rating from C3 to A2.

It is a significant step forward in the Council’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and leading by example on climate action.

2) Just over €1 million for a major energy, accessibility, and infrastructure upgrade at Longford Branch Library.

This project will fund energy-efficiency and accessibility upgrades to Longford Library, while improving sustainability through the installation of solar panels and an accessible lift.

These works will cut energy use by 51% and carbon emissions by 50%, while supporting continued library services, including the My Open Library programme.

3) Just under €300,000 for Lanesboro Masterplan.

This project will cover a feasibility study, environmental assessments, and a plan for the regeneration of a six-acre site as a sustainable civic cluster.

Stakeholder analysis will assess community, tourism and enterprise uses, including a community facility, food incubation hub and serviced visitor infrastructure.

4) A total of €300,000 for Connolly Barracks.

This project will include a feasibility study on the sustainable reuse of the Connolly Barracks outbuildings and surrounding public space. This will ensure core New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion, promoting citizen-centered, community led approaches to urban regeneration.

5) More than €246,000 for Old Post Office Longford (Energy Retrofit Phase 2).

The approved funding will facilitate the full refurbishment of the exterior of the Former Post Office, preserving its architectural heritage through specialist conservation works while improving sustainability through the installation of solar panels.

The works form part of the broader redevelopment of the building, supported under earlier Just Transition Fund allocations, to create a flagship Enterprise and Energy Hub for County Longford.

6) Just over €231,000 for the Clondra to Tarmonbarry Greenway.

This project will advance the design and tender preparation for the 1.6km Clondra to Tarmonbarry Greenway, linking Counties Longford and Roscommon.

This demonstrates how targeted investment can improve connectivity and quality of life in towns like Clondra and Tarmonbarry, while supporting national climate and transport objectives.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, said the EU funding is a significant and welcome investment in County Longford.

Cllr Hagan said it will support projects that reduce emissions, improve public services, and create better links between communities.

“Importantly, this investment will deliver benefits that people can see in their everyday lives, from improved public buildings and facilities to better walking and cycling connections. It also gives us an opportunity to protect and bring new life to important sites while planning for a more sustainable future.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Samantha Healy, said, “This allocation of almost €3.7 million will allow us to move six important projects forward.

“It will improve public buildings, reduce energy use, protect built heritage, and support sustainable travel. These projects are practical actions under our Climate Action Plan.

“They will help us to cut emissions while improving public facilities and supporting the long-term social and economic strength of our communities.

“I want to thank the Council teams who prepared the applications. We will now work with Pobal and our project partners to complete the grant agreements and bring the funded projects into delivery,” she added.

Longford County Council made a number of applications under the START Programme.

The Council expressed disappointment that the application for Lanesborough Amphitheatre amongst others was unsuccessful.

The Council has requested feedback from Pobal in relation to all unsuccessful applications.