Plan to expand education facility at Longford's Connolly Barracks approved

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board has received approval from Longford County Council planners to develop their educational facilities at Connolly Barracks.

The Education and Training Board' has been approved to change the use of the former gymnasium building to educational use, including alterations to the existing elevations, the change of use of the former ration store building to a canteen and welfare facility including alterations to existing elevations, along with a proposed extension to the west elevation to facilitate a new entrance lobby and welfare toilets.

The application also includes a new glazed link extension to the south elevation of the proposed canteen and welfare facility, together with all associated ancillary site works.

LWETB say they intend to expand its Further Education and training (FET) provision in Longford with the introduction of electrical apprenticeship training at Connolly Campus.
The local ETB described the move as “a significant milestone”.
In a statement to the Leader the education body said they plan “a strategic vision to repurpose existing structures on this historic site”.

The focal point of the plan is the conversion of the gymnasium building into four workshop spaces, and the conversion of the former ration store building which will become a canteen and welfare facility serving the entire site.

Longford College of Further Education has state of the art facilities, and a dynamic, highly qualified staff committed to supporting students on obtaining top quality results, make this college a viable and exciting option for school leavers and mature students looking for the best education in the Midlands area.
The plans for the development were approved by planners subject to 12 conditions.