New breastfeeding room opens at Longford Shopping Centre to support nursing families

Delivered through Longford Breastfeeding Project 

Press Release: Friday, 21 November 2025

A new breastfeeding room at Longford Shopping Centre has opened this week, creating a comfortable, private space for nursing families.

The facility results from a partnership between Healthy Ireland (Longford) and Longford Centre Management Services Limited, delivered through the Longford Breastfeeding Project inter-agency group.

This room offers practical support for families. Accessible spaces remove barriers to breastfeeding and show what collaboration can achieve. The breastfeeding room updates existing facilities within the shopping centre, fulfilling an action identified in the Longford Breastfeeding Project 2025 plan. The project aims to increase visibility and normalisation of breastfeeding across County Longford.

Leas Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Niall Gannon, said, "This room represents practical support for families across our county. When mothers have comfortable, accessible spaces in public buildings, we remove one barrier to breastfeeding. Longford Shopping Centre serves thousands of families each week, and this facility ensures they can visit knowing their needs are met. It shows what we can achieve when local government works with community partners to address real needs."

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, "Supporting families during early parenthood strengthens our entire community. This breastfeeding room is part of practical infrastructure that matters—it tells nursing mothers that Longford values their wellbeing. It aligns directly with our commitment to building healthy, sustainable communities where everyone can participate fully."

The initiative demonstrates successful inter-agency collaboration, uniting HSE, Cuidiú Longford/Roscommon, Longford County Council, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Healthy Longford, Longford Libraries, Longford Community Resource Limited, TUS Midland Midwest, Longford County Childcare Committee, Longford Westmeath Child & Young Person Service Committee (CYPSC), Longford Westmeath Community Families, Longford Traveller Health Project, Longford Women's Link, Foróige Leap Youth Diversion Project, Bridgeways Family Resource Centre and Lus Na Gréine Family Resource Centre.

The development builds on previous work by the Longford Breastfeeding Project with Longford Shopping Centre and Longford Library Services, forming part of a 2025 strategy emphasising community education and partnership.

The programme supports Healthy Ireland's focus on partnership between government departments, local authorities and community organisations. It also advances Longford's Local Economic and Community Plan 2023-2029, particularly objectives around healthy communities where residents can live active, fulfilling lives.

The breastfeeding room, located on the ground floor, is open during shopping centre hours and is free to use.