New breastfeeding room opens at Longford Shopping Centre

A new breastfeeding room has opened at Longford Shopping Centre this week, creating a comfortable, private space for nursing families.   

The room, which is located on the ground floor, is open during shopping centre hours and is free to use.

The need for this facility was first identified in the Longford Breastfeeding Project 2025 plan and its recent implementation will now give a great deal of practical support to nursing parents. 

Speaking about the impact of the new room, Leas Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Councillor Niall Gannon, pointed out that the provision of comfortable, accessible spaces in public buildings for nursing mothers removes a barrier to breastfeeding and gives parents peace of mind that their needs will be met when they visit the centre. 

He added, “Longford Shopping Centre serves thousands of families each week, and this facility ensures they can visit knowing their needs are met. It shows what we can achieve when local government works with community partners to address real needs."

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said a show of practical support for families during the early parenting years would also “strengthen our entire community.” 

He added, “This breastfeeding room is part of practical infrastructure that matters - it tells nursing mothers that Longford values their wellbeing. It aligns directly with our commitment to building healthy, sustainable communities where everyone can participate fully."

The facility results from a partnership between Healthy Ireland (Longford) and Longford Centre Management Services Limited, and was delivered through the Longford Breastfeeding Project inter-agency group.

The initiative demonstrates successful inter-agency collaboration, uniting HSE, Cuidiú Longford/Roscommon, Longford County Council, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Healthy Longford, Longford Libraries, Longford Community Resource Limited, TUS Midland Midwest, Longford County Childcare Committee, Longford Westmeath Child & Young Person Service Committee (CYPSC), Longford Westmeath Community Families, Longford Traveller Health Project, Longford Women's Link, Foróige Leap Youth Diversion Project, Bridgeways Family Resource Centre and Lus Na Gréine Family Resource Centre.

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