‘Pivotal moment for Longford’ with Connolly Barracks investment

€7 million in funding has been secured by Longford County Council for the redevelopment of Connolly Barracks into a vibrant community and cultural facility that will serve as the beating heart of Longford town.

The substantial investment, which has been hailed as 'a pivotal moment for Longford', comes from the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE Strand 2), a €90 million EU-backed fund designed to revitalise heritage buildings throughout Irish town centres for community use. 

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The funding enables the local authority to immediately proceed to tender for the project, building on last year's THRIVE allocation of €200,000 that allowed completion of essential design works.

The ambitious transformation will see the vacant barracks – empty since the Army's departure in 2009 – house a county museum, community café, creative makerspace, podcast and recording studio, meeting rooms, and music facilities.
A rear extension will provide a flexible conference and performance space alongside training facilities.

The project incorporates accessibility improvements, sustainability features including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, plus enhanced public spaces.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh welcomed the announcement saying:

"Connolly Barracks has stood silent for too long. This funding transforms a symbol of the past into a beacon for our future – a space where history meets innovation, where tradition embraces change.

It will allow the northern end of Longford Town to once again buzz with activity, drawing people back to the heart of our town and creating opportunities for everyone who calls Longford home."

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, "This €7 million investment marks a pivotal moment for Longford. It allows us to drive forward detailed plans that will finally deliver the county museum our people have long sought, whilst creating a dynamic space where our diverse communities can connect, create, and celebrate together. This project will catalyse economic activity in an underused part of our town whilst preserving our architectural heritage for future generations."

Director of Services John Brannigan, who spearheaded the successful application, welcomed the announcement saying, "The investment of €7 million through THRIVE funding for the Connolly Barracks regeneration represents a flagship model of sustainable, inclusive, and heritage-sensitive urban transformation.

It exemplifies the spirit of the New European Bauhaus, bringing beauty, resilience, and social cohesion into the heart of Longford. This project will revitalise our town, empower our people, and celebrate our rich cultural heritage whilst creating shared spaces for our diverse communities to thrive together."

The restoration will employ best conservation practices whilst responding to Longford's population growth and multicultural character. The project promises to generate employment, tourism, and business opportunities whilst creating a shared space that bridges communities and generations.

THRIVE operates under Ireland's two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes, providing funding to help local authorities reimagine town centres through renovation and adaptive reuse of publicly owned heritage buildings.

The scheme incorporates core New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, promoting citizen-centred, community-led approaches to urban regeneration.

The project has received full support from elected members and is particularly welcomed by Longford Municipal District representatives.

Work is expected to commence following the tender process, with the transformed barracks set to become a cornerstone of Longford's cultural and community landscape.

Speaking on the announcement, Deputy Micheál Carrigy said, “This is fantastic news for Longford.

"Connolly Barracks is one of our county’s most iconic sites, and this funding will not only protect its heritage but also reimagine it as a modern hub for culture, education and community life. I am delighted to have worked with Longford County Council and all stakeholders to support this application and secure this investment for the people of Longford.”

Deputy Carrigy added that this project will ensure Connolly Barracks continues to play a central role in the life of the town.

“This investment represents a new chapter for Connolly Barracks. It will deliver opportunities for learning, creativity, tourism and enterprise while preserving the historical significance of the site.

I look forward to seeing works progress and to the long-lasting impact it will have on our county.”

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.”

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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.