Ready to THRIVE: €7m to transform Longford's Connolly Barracks into vibrant community hub

Once a space where a community of soldiers marched in lockstep, today's announcement of €7 million in funding means Longford town's old Connolly Barracks is on the fast track to become home to a different kind of regiment, this time one of artists, historians, and community.

The massive allocation of €7 million means Longford County Council now has 100% of the funds required to press ahead with its plans to transform the building and grounds into a vibrant new arts space, county museum, and associated amenities for the county town.

This financial boost for Connolly Barracks - which closed in 2009 - comes from the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE), which is a €90m fund aimed at revitalising heritage buildings throughout Irish town centres, with a view to them being utilised for community use.

The positive news has been warmly welcomed by Longford Senator Joe Flaherty.

He said, “The barracks has long been the starting point for the regeneration of the county town. I am certain that the funding will be transformative and importantly will bookend development of that end of the town and fuel the regeneration of Lower Main Street.”

Senator Flaherty went on to pay tribute to the Longford County Council Regeneration Team and in particular, the Director of Services, John Brannigan, who spearheaded the application.

The local authority is now in a position to immediately proceed to tender for the project, as last year's THRIVE funding allocation of €200,000 enabled them to complete the design works for the project.

Also read: Facelift: Exciting plans for museum and visual arts space at Longford's Connolly Barracks