Expressions of Interest now open for Longford's Café Lates Initiative 2026

Funding will assist in the development of a vibrant and diverse night-time café culture 

Press Release: Monday, 9 March 2026 

Longford County Council is inviting cafés in Longford Town Centre to apply to take part in the Longford Café Lates Pilot Initiative 2026. The call for Expressions of Interest is now open. 

The scheme supports cafés that wish to open later and offer welcoming, non-alcohol-focused activities on weekday evenings. It forms part of the town's ongoing work to grow a vibrant night-time economy and respond to local feedback calling for more diverse evening options. 

Longford Town is one of nine pilot towns nationwide actively enhancing Ireland's night-time economy, and Longford County Council is committed to building on the town's after-6 p.m. offerings. The 'Café Lates' initiative directly addresses feedback received during public consultation for the development of a café culture as part of the Longford County Council Night-Time Economy Action Plan. 

Aims of the 'Café Lates' pilot initiative:

  • Expand evening and night-time offerings, including alcohol-free options
  • Support businesses in trialling extended opening hours
  • Stimulate revenue 
  • Drive footfall 
  • Build a vibrant evening café culture 

Cafés can propose either: 

  • A weekly evening programme on a chosen weekday; or
  • A monthly late-evening event held once a month for at least five months. 

All events must begin from 6.00pm onwards. 

The pilot will run during two periods in 2026: 

  • 1 May - 31 July, and 
  • 1 August - 3 December 

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "This is a great opportunity to enhance night-time offerings with a vibrant café culture in Longford Town. The types of events envisaged and encouraged are live performances from local bands to intimate acoustic and DJ sets, spoken word and poetry, comedy, book clubs, workshops and tastings to themed nights for example. Events that appeal to younger people, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all are also encouraged."

'Café Lates' is funded by Longford County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. 

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, "The Café Lates initiative will give local cafés in Longford Town an exciting opportunity to expand their evening options which will deliver an enhanced experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike. As well as fostering a vibrant and diverse night-time café culture, this initiative will also help stimulate the local economy by encouraging extra footfall and increasing revenue streams for cafés during evening hours."

Events should aim to appeal to people aged 14 and over, supporting a safe and inclusive setting for all. Successful applicants will be asked to promote their programme and share event details at least four weeks in advance with Longford County Council's Night-Time Economy Advisor. 

Cafés must have seating, serve tea and coffee as their main offering, and have enough space for the activities proposed. 

Expressions of Interest should be emailed to: kreilly@longfordcoco.ie 

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is Friday, 27 March 2026 

Further details and the Expression of Interest Application Form is available on Longford County Council website www.longfordcoco.ie/cafe-lates.

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