Longford County Council welcomes Slovenian delegation to share spirit of community

Longford County Council welcomed a delegation from Bovec, Slovenia during the month of August as part of the U.R. Impact (URBACT IV) project. This peer meeting was dedicated to exchanging knowledge, practices, and approaches in the field of social inclusion, the use of public assets to support community programmes and financing of social initiatives. 

The group visited a variety of projects in the county from youth centres, family resource centres and museums, to coworking hubs and new social projects, all developed with dedicated support from the local community and volunteers, highlighting the many attributes Longford has to offer.

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The visit started with a trip to the Attic House in Longford Town which highlighted the importance of a safe and creative environment for young people, giving them space to learn, create and connect. A tour of St. Mel's Cathedral was a reminder to all of the resilience of communities where the Slovenian visitors learned from parish priest Fr. James MacKiernan not only the story of the restoration of the Cathedral but also how art and community spirit were woven into the renewal of this important landmark.

A visit to Rose Cottage Café in Ballinalee demonstrated how history and everyday life meet, combining a café with a museum. Sitting in the café, visitors were invited to reflect on history while enjoying a cup of coffee — a unique approach to keeping memory alive whilst fostering community connection.

In Granard, the delegation visited the Lus na Gréine Family Resource Centre, a true heart of social support in North Longford. The centre provides services ranging from psychological counselling and family support to training for the unemployed, youth clubs and creative workshops.

Particularly moving for the Slovenian delegation was the Men's Shed, a space where men of all ages meet to work on practical projects, exchange skills and build friendships — an initiative that reduces loneliness and strengthens wellbeing.

Rural working hubs have played a key role in the regeneration of many towns and villages and the Slovenian visitors were impressed with The Yard Hub in Abbeyshrule, where a neglected property was transformed into a modern coworking and community hub. Today it is a vibrant space for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and locals, perfectly integrated into the beautiful setting along the Royal Canal Greenway.

In Ballymahon, Longford County Council presented an ongoing U.R.Impact project which aims to transform a former convent into a social and community centre. Although the project continues to face challenges, the strong involvement of young people and the commitment of the local action group (ULG) demonstrate that Ballymahon will soon benefit from a space similar to the one in Granard.

In Edgeworthstown, the group visited Co:Worx, a coworking centre established in a former bank building. With modern facilities and a strong community spirit, it provides space for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and social initiatives. Co:Worx also hosts workshops, networking events and cultural programmes, including initiatives where older residents — even those over 70 — share their talents and stories with younger generations.

The delegation also visited the Maria Edgeworth Centre, a small museum and educational space dedicated to the famous 18th-century writer and pioneer of women's rights and education. Run by enthusiastic volunteers, the centre preserves the rich literary and cultural heritage of the town and plans further development in cooperation with the council.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "This international partnership perfectly captures what makes Longford special — our ability to transform challenges into opportunities whilst keeping community at the heart of everything we do. Our Slovenian colleagues witnessed firsthand how grassroots innovation and local determination create lasting change. These connections strengthen not just our own understanding but build bridges that benefit communities across Europe."

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Director of Services at Longford County Council, John Brannigan added, "The enthusiasm and engagement shown by our international visitors validates the strategic approach we've taken to community development in Longford. From repurposed buildings to intergenerational programmes, we're demonstrating how public assets can become catalysts for social inclusion. This exchange of ideas and practices enriches our work and opens new possibilities for collaborative projects that will benefit our communities for years to come."

The visit proved both diverse and inspiring for Longford and the Slovenian visitors, with a wide programme of events and locations visited, ensuring good practices and experiences were shared between both communities.