Longford boules area to be relocated adjacent to the new carpark extension
There has been concern over the strip of the mall where pétanque is played
An event will take place in The Mall, Longford town on Wednesday, October 22 in front of the Leisure Centre to advocate for a replacement strip of land which can be used for pétanque. It will take place between 12 noon and 1pm.
Organisers say that the strip they currently use in The Mall for pétanque (boules) is set to be removed owing to planned expansion of the car park.
The strip was given by the council on a temporary basis (approximately 4x30m) until the change of the surface. The car park’s development has now meant that this space used for recreational purposes will now be taken away.
“We have spoken to the council but they still haven’t confirmed if it can be replaced,” outlined spokesperson, Shane Collins.
Mr Collins explained, “Service users from St Christopher’s have played pétanque, including a service user with hearing difficulty. That challenged us and initially and he now loves the game. He plays four days a week. Then we got the bombshell that they’re going to dig up the strip we use with no sign of replacement. We just want a replacement.”
As of Tuesday, October 7, a spokesperson from Longford County Council said the following:
“The Boules area will be moved to extend the carpark. The Boules area will be relocated adjacent to the new carpark extension. Works on this is planned for Q1 2026.”
The event will include a gazebo, food and speakers.
Mr Collins said there will be six groups to highlight how important the land is to the Longford community. And he says they have received support from Michelle Murray from St Christopher’s, Longford Sports Partnership's Stephen McNally, Longford Community Resources Bryan Lenehan, Community Garda Sergeant James Rowan and Older Person’s Network chairperson Madeline Bennett.
Mr Collins estimates that there will be 40 at the event, but is expecting more to come, and hopes that locals will want to show support, as the strip provides activities for multiple community groups.
“We get to travel to Sligo and Cavan to play against other teams. There is huge community spirit associated with the game. The strip we have is been taken away and nobody is saying if it will be replaced.”