Official contracts have been signed for the €9m regeneration of Longford’s former Connolly Barracks site
.The THRIVE Connolly Barracks Reimagined project marks a major milestone in the transformation of the historic barracks facility in Longford Town ahead of the imminent onset of construction works.
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan, Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Samantha Healy and members of the THRIVE project team joined representatives of Bretland Construction at Longford County Council to formally sign the contract documents.
The signing of contracts represents the final step before the commencement of construction works and marks the beginning of the next phase in the delivery of one of the most significant heritage regeneration projects undertaken in Longford in recent years.
The official sod-turning ceremony for the Connolly Barracks Reimagined Project was held at the end of June, marking the transition from project planning into the delivery phase.
Connolly Barracks Reimagined is co-funded by the Government and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
The redevelopment of Connolly Barracks is aimed at creating a vibrant community and cultural facility that will serve as a focal point for Longford town.
The overall project will cost in the region of €9m, including co-funding of government and European Union amounting to €7m alongside €2m from Longford County Council’s own cash reserves.
The ambitious transformation will see the vacant barracks, empty since the Defence Forces departure in 2009, house a county museum, community café, creative makerspace, podcast and recording studio, meeting rooms and music facilities.
A rear extension will provide a flexible conference and performance space alongside training facilities. The project also incorporates accessibility improvements, sustainability features including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, and enhanced public spaces.
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan said the scale of the investment marked a new chapter in the midlands town’s socio-economic well-being. “This marks an important milestone for Longford,” he said.
“The signing of contracts means this long-anticipated project is now moving firmly into the construction phase.
“Connolly Barracks is a landmark building in Longford Town and this investment will give it a new purpose, creating opportunities for culture, creativity and community activity for generations to come.”
Longford County Council Chief Executive Samantha Healy, said the significance of the announcement could not be understated.
“Projects of this scale have the power to change how a town feels, functions and grows,” she said.
“THRIVE Connolly Barracks Reimagined will breathe new life into this historic site, strengthen the cultural and social fabric of our community, and help drive the continued renewal of Longford Town.
“As we move from planning into delivery, we are not simply restoring a historic building, we are opening a new chapter in the regeneration of Longford.”
Construction Director for Offaly basec Bretland Construction John O’ Connell expressed his own delight at the company’s involvement in the multi-million euro project.
“We are proud to be involved in the delivery of this prestigious and important development, which represents an exciting opportunity for Longford and the wider community,” he said
The development is expected to generate employment, tourism and business opportunities while creating a shared space that brings communities and generations together.
THRIVE operates under Ireland’s two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes, providing funding to help local authorities reimagine town centres through the renovation and adaptive reuse of publicly owned heritage buildings.