County Longford hosts 72 International Local Government Leaders in Global Exchange

ICMA delegation visits the midlands with Longford's Just Transition story taking centre stage

Press Release: Monday, 30 March 2026

Longford County Council recently hosted 72 senior local government professionals from across the globe as part of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Global Exchange — the association's annual programme of international learning and peer collaboration. Members travelled from the United States, Australia, South Africa, Latvia and Canada for the visit.

The Longford leg of the visit formed part of a wider week-long itinerary across Ireland, which took in Dublin, Limerick and Northern Ireland. It was arranged through a partnership between the ICMA and Ireland's City and County Management Association (CCMA).

ICMA is the world's foremost nonprofit membership body for local government professionals, with over 13,000 members — chief administrative officers managing day-to-day local government operations across the US and more than 33 countries. Its Global Exchange programme is designed to build international knowledge-sharing and professional networks, with a focus on best practice in local government leadership and community challenges.

A Region Reinventing Itself

The delegation's visit was rooted in Longford's direct experience of Just Transition — the process of moving an economy away from fossil fuel dependency in a way that does not leave workers and communities behind. For generations, the midlands region was shaped by peat harvesting and the Lanesboro Power Station. Since the station's closure and Bord na Móna's move away from peat, the region has had to chart an entirely new course.

The group's first stop was the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, where they were welcomed by Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, with responsibility for the Office of Public Works). The Minister noted the extent of fossil fuel dependency in the midlands for generations, and he acknowledged that Just Transition had been, a 'hard sell' to local people — but that it had since unlocked significant investment in the region. The Minister highlighted that funding was secured for a feasibility study at Corlea Trackway to explore sustainable development, including links with the canals and neighbouring peatlands.

The delegation toured the interpretive centre and viewed the Iron Age wooden trackway — one of the largest of its kind in Europe, built in 148 BC — before taking a guided walk and cycle on a looped trail across the rewetted bog. The delegation was welcomed to Corlea by guides and staff at the renowned centre as well as staff and management of Longford County Council, elected members and Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh and Cathaoirleach of the Ballymahon Municipal District Cllr Martin Skelly.

Ballymahon Panel Discussion: Eco-Tourism and Economic Renewal

The group then moved to Ballymahon for a panel discussion examining the practical realities of economic transition. Panellists included Tad McGalliard, ICMA Managing Director of Innovation and Research; Gráinne Cornally, Head of EU Just Transition with Fáilte Ireland; Lisa Kealy, Programme Manager of the Public Good Project with BnM; Michael Nevin, Head of Enterprise with Longford County Council; and Damien McKenna, an EU Just Transition fund recipient who used the funding to develop accommodation at Lough Sallagh Lodges in County Longford.

The panel examined how the Fáilte Ireland Hidden Heartlands brand — combined with EU Just Transition funding — has become the catalyst for a new sustainable eco-tourism economy across the midlands. The message was clear: a region that once measured its worth in tonnes of peat is now measuring it in visitor nights, rewetted boglands and renewable projects.

Daragh Feighery of Center Parcs also addressed the delegation. Center Parcs Longford Forest — Ireland's single largest private tourism development — represents an investment of €230 million in County Longford. Operating at 98% occupancy year-round, it welcomes 5,000 guests per week, employs 1,300 people and sources 65% of its workforce from County Longford, creating a significant economic ripple effect across the region.

St Mel's Cathedral Visit

The delegation enjoyed lunch at Cooney's Hotel, Ballymahon, before a guided tour of the iconic St Mel's Cathedral in Longford Town — one of the most significant cathedrals in Ireland, and a building with a remarkable story of destruction and reconstruction after the Christmas Day fire of 2009. The tour was led by Longford Age Friendly Ambassador Eamon Brennan and Fr James MacKiernan. The group was welcomed at the cathedral by Cathaoirleach of Longford Municipal District, Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi, and elected members of Longford County Council.

Tanya Ange, outgoing ICMA Board President spoke about the sense of connection and meaningful memories from the trip to County Longford and she paid tribute to Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon who is the Chair of The County and City Management Association.

Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council and Chair of the City and County Management Association (CCMA), said, “Welcoming 72 of the world’s foremost local government leaders to County Longford is a reflection of the very real story this county has to tell. Just Transition is the lived experience of our communities, our workers and our landscape. The fact that local government leaders from five continents travelled to Longford to learn from that experience is something we should all be proud of. We are committed to sharing what we have learned and to building the international relationships for continued partnerships into the future.”

Cllr Garry Murtagh, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council said, “It is a mark of confidence in County Longford that an organisation of the ICMA’s standing chose this county as a destination for international learning. Our communities have shown extraordinary resilience and imagination in how they have responded to profound economic change. It is fantastic to see that story being told on an international stage and seeing it inspire leaders from across the world. Thanks to everyone who made this visit such a success, from our council staff to the businesses, community groups and individuals who opened their doors.”