Independent Ireland leader, Michael Collins, visits Longford

There must have been something in Longford’s water last Tuesday, July 21, with two political figures, Fine Gael’s Minister for Health and Independent Ireland’s party leader, both making visits on the same morning.

During his time in the town, Michael Collins TD and party member Midlands-North West MEP Ciarán Mullooly visited Connolly Barracks before meeting with local community organisations and local residents.

​Deputy Collins and MEP Mullooly also met with Eveyln Rooney, the niece of a passenger killed in the 1952 St Kevin air accident.

The trip also took in a visit to the Longford Employment Development Information (EDI) Centre in Longford as well as the Longford Community Resources CLG, where he met staff and volunteers.

One of the stops on the schedule was Revamp, a social enterprise that upcycles, restores and then sells furniture among other items.

Here, Deputy Collins and MEP Mullooly viewed the restoration projects as they chatted with EDI centre manager, Breda Murphy.

Speaking about Revamp, Deputy Collins said, "It’s an incredible centre.”

“I’ve seen some furniture here that I haven’t seen for forty, fifty years, being revamped to an incredibly high standard. I’ve even seen a beautiful bike that was built there in just three weeks using recycled timber. And the white goods! They’re bringing in new goods, checking out how they work and then revamping and recycling old goods that are giving trouble, like dryers, electrical equipment. It’s just an incredible place to be.”

Added MEP Mullooly, “It’s a great stepping stone for people who are long term unemployed and to get a handle on the skills and move back into employment.”

“Community organisations like EDI make a real difference by creating opportunities, building confidence and strengthening local communities. It was inspiring to see first-hand the positive impact your work has on so many people's lives."

The Independent Ireland leader’s visit to Longford was part of a nationwide tour focused on meeting communities and hearing first-hand from people about the issues impacting them.

Said Deputy Collins, "This tour is about listening. Our councillors are on the front line every day, dealing with the real issues affecting people in their communities.

I want to hear directly from them and from the people they represent so that Independent Ireland continues to bring practical, common-sense solutions to the Dáil."

The party leader said these issues reflected “a wider failure by Government to properly plan for growing communities.”

He said, "People deserve a Government that plans ahead rather than constantly reacting to crises that were entirely foreseeable.”

“Whether it is school places, school transport, housing or the rising cost of living, families are being let down time and again."

​Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme