Sláintecare Healthy Communities

In 2021, Sláintecare Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health, working with the HSE, local authorities and community agencies, launched the Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme. This initiative will provide increased health and wellbeing services in 19 communities across Ireland, including focused within the Longford Town area.
What does it mean for the communities of Longford?
This programme will ensure local communities living in the Longford Town area have improved access to health and wellbeing services. One of the ways local people can now access such services is through new safe and inclusive Community Houses. In Longford Town, these Community Houses are located in Ardnacassa and McEoin Park. Supports offered may include education and training courses, homework clubs, men’s groups, parent and toddler groups, youth groups, counselling, access to technology and office facilities.
Local Services Available
Place Standard Tool Exercise Report - Ardnacassa Area
In April 2025, Longford County Council and partner agencies piloted the Place Standard Tool (PST) in the Ardnacassa area to better understand local experiences of place and identify priority areas for community improvement. The PST enables residents to assess where they live across 14 key themes, covering both the physical environment and social factors that shape quality of life.
Engagement activities included an online survey, two drop-in clinics, a focus group with children, and an in-person workshop and walkabout involving 21 residents and service providers. The workshop brought together stakeholders including Longford Women’s Link, Longford Community Resources, An Garda Síochána, and Longford County Council. A total of 44 individuals participated across all engagement methods.
Feedback highlighted strengths such as existing childcare services, helpful neighbours, and a positive community spirit in parts of the estate. However, consistent concerns were raised in relation to litter, lack of organised play facilities, limited awareness of services, poor signage, and underused green spaces. ‘Play and Recreation’ emerged as the lowest-scoring theme across all feedback.
A series of priority actions have been identified to respond to community needs, including the establishment of street-level resident groups, development of a community garden, improved signage, expanded use of the Community House, and a focus on promoting safety and social connection. These actions will be progressed in collaboration with residents and service providers, supported where possible by local and national funding schemes.
The PST process has demonstrated a strong appetite among residents to be heard and to play an active role in shaping their neighbourhood. The next phase will focus on building trust, delivering visible improvements, and empowering the community to take a more active role in local decision-making.
Read the full report: Place Standard Tool Exercise Report - Ardnasacca Area
Contact Us:
Sláintecare Healthy Community
Longford County Council Local Development Officer
Patricia Forde
Mobile: 086 012 3402
Email: pforde@longfordcoco.ie
HSE Sláintecare Healthy Communities Coordinator
Anthony O'Prey
Email: Anthony.OPrey1@hse.ie