Ensuring the needs of Longford’s fastest growing town are met

Design contracts have been signed with Kenny Lyons & Associates Architects for the multi million Ballymahon Pobal le Cheile community regeneration project. The official signing was attended by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

This community hub project will become home to many local services in the heart of the town.

The Pobal le Cheile project will bring several vacant buildings in Ballymahon back into active use. The key locations of these buildings will allow a clustering of service providers and increase accessibility to social services for the community. It will also enhance connectivity and the visual presentation of the area.

Works will include the transformation of the former convent building to accommodate Bridgeways Family Resource Centre (FRC), as well as the Convent Day Care Centre. The Dean Egan Library will become home to a youth club. The Old Schoolhouse will be renovated for remote working and the Ballymahon Men’s Shed. The works will also present the area as a distinct quarter of the town.

This project is funded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) through the Department of Rural and Community Development. The funding is administered by Longford County Council.

Almost €6 million (€5,991,916) was allocated for the project in April 2021 while an additional €672,883 was allocated in October 2021 following an announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

This brings total RRDF funding to €6,619,799, with the total cost estimated to be in the region of €7,405,332.

Speaking at the contract signing Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern said, “This is a great further step forward for the town of Ballymahon. The Pobal le Cheile project will help to see that the needs of County Longford’s fastest growing town are met into the future. It will create a cluster of community services all close together and more easily accessible.

“I am delighted to see these contracts signed here today and look forward to what the Pobal le Cheile project will do for Ballymahon.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “The Council continues to focus on the regeneration of our towns and communities. This is an incredibly important project. Pobal le Cheile will help to ensure the needs of the community are met, including by facilitating increased service provision through larger and more suitable premises. It will help the people of Ballymahon and help to ensure that the local community can continue to grow and thrive.”

Speaking on behalf of Ballymahon Town Team Niall Dowler said the project is one that they have championed since its inception and they are pleased that it is moving to 'this exciting phase where much needed accommodation will be provided for both staff and service users'.

He added, "In addition, we would also like to extend our gratitude to the various people who have given us support throughout this process and in particular the staff of Longford County Council regeneration team for their assistance and help throughout the process."