New athletics track could be a runner as part of Longford town park expansion plan

The possibility of developing a running track at The Mall (Albert Reynolds Peace Park) was one of the suggestions that emerged during the June meeting of Longford Municipal District.

The County Council purchased a fourteen acre site between The Mall and the Abbeycartron football pitches, known as Dempsey's Land and Cllr Peggy Nolan proposed that seven out of the 14 acres could be used for the Mall’s expansion. She requested that a plan for the extension of the green area be ready for their next MD meeting as it would not cost and could be done in-house.

Read more: Talented Longford brothers star for Ireland at World Kayak Championships in Germany

Cllr Gerry Hagan said the expansion of The Mall would be a huge boost for county Longford. “I await it with giant excitement.” He and Cllr Monaghan also raised the idea of a running track for the location.

Cllr Seamus Butler supported this. “The idea of a running track that's available to everybody would be great.”

Cllr Kevin Hussey remarked, “I concur with Cllr Nolan. Over the next three months, we should actually get started.”

Cllr Nolan expressed some concerns. “A running track is essential. It’s very attainable. But can we afford it? It’s going to cost a fortune. We cannot afford to take this on, but we’re not opposed to it.”

Read more: Longford family humbly appeal for support to help their 'precious son' fight for his life

The Council intends to engage with some interested parties and have proposals for Demsey’s Land in place for discussion in September.