Public invited to discover exciting vision for Connolly Barracks Reimagined
Information evening on 3 December showcases plans for landmark cultural quarter
Press Release: Monday, 24 October 2025
Longford County Council invites the public to an information evening on Wednesday, 3 December from 6-8 pm at Áras an Chontae, where detailed plans for the €7 million Connolly Barracks Reimagined project will be on display.
The event offers residents and community members an opportunity to view artist impressions of the transformed barracks and hear directly from the project team about progress on this major regeneration initiative. Members of the public are invited to drop in between the hours of 6-8pm when council staff, including the project lead and architect, will be available to discuss the ambitious plans and answer any questions.
Connolly Barracks Reimagined is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027. Longford County Council will be proceeding to Tender for the construction phase of the project with work expected to get underway on site in February 2026.
The evening forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure all sectors of Longford's community can engage with this significant project. The council encourages attendance from all sectors of the community in Longford particularly marginalised groups. A detailed online survey will also be circulated by Longford County Council in a bid to keep the community and relevant stakeholders informed of the progress on the Connolly Barracks Reimagined project.
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “This is your chance to see how we're transforming a vacant building into a vibrant space for the whole community. The plans will show exactly what this project means for Longford – the museum we've wanted for years, spaces for creativity and connection, and a genuine meeting point for our diverse town. Come along, find out more, and help shape our shared future."
Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, "We're committed to keeping the people of Longford informed every step of the way. This evening allows us to share our progress and, more importantly, to listen. The success of this project depends on creating spaces that genuinely serve our community's needs, so we want to hear from everyone – particularly those whose voices aren't always present in these conversations."
The ambitious transformation will see the vacant barracks – empty since the Army's departure in 2009 – house a county museum, community café, creative makerspace, podcast and recording studio, meeting and music rooms. A rear extension will provide a flexible conference and community event space alongside training facilities. The project incorporates accessibility improvements, building energy upgrades, solar panels and adaptive reuse of the structure, plus the restoration of historic building fabric.
THRIVE operates under Ireland's two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes, providing funding to help local authorities reimagine town centres through renovation and adaptive reuse of publicly owned heritage buildings. The scheme incorporates core New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, promoting citizen-centred, community-led approaches to urban regeneration.
The information evening requires no advance booking and is free to attend.
