Connolly Barracks Set to be a "Model of Urban Transformation"

Following this week's big announcement that Connolly Barracks in Longford Town is set to benefit from a phenomenal windfall of €7 million in funding, the Longford Leader spoke with the man responsible for having spearheaded the town's successful application for the investment: Director of Services, Mr. John Brannigan, of Longford County Council. 

Describing the planned redevelopment of the barracks as one that will be a flagship model of “sustainable, inclusiveness, and heritage-sensitive urban transformation,” Mr. Brannigan added that once the project is complete, the building would contain a community café, a podcast and recording studio, a creative makerspace, a museum, a number of meeting rooms, as well as music rooms. The extension to the rear of the structure will also be transformed into a performance space and training facilities.

Eco-features such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels are included in the plans, thus potentially making the barracks a future success story for sustainability. Improvements will also be carried out on the building's accessibility.  

Thanks to this week's injection of investment from THRIVE - a scheme specifically aimed at regenerating heritage buildings in towns around Ireland - the Longford local authority is now in a position to proceed to tender with hopes remaining high that work on the listed structure will be completed by 2027. 

Speaking about the plans, Mr. Brannigan said the funding “exemplifies the spirit of the New European Bauhaus, bringing beauty, resilience, and social cohesion into the heart of Longford; revitalising a town, empowering its people, and celebrating its rich cultural tapestry." The 'New European Bauhaus' being referenced here by Mr. Brannigan is a policy and funding initiative that "makes the green transition attractive and enjoyable for all."  

In addition, Mr. Brannigan promised that all restoration work being carried out on the barracks, a listed heritage building, "will use the best conservation practices. It will create a shared space for diverse communities and respond to Longford’s population growth and multicultural makeup while generating employment, tourism, and business opportunities in Longford's underused northern quarter.”