Sod turning ceremony for €9M THRIVE transformation of historic Connolly Barracks
Longford County Council set to breathe new life into vacant military heritage site
Press Release: Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Work on the €9 million transformation of the historic Connolly Barracks in Longford Town is expected to get underway later this Summer following the official sod-turning ceremony which took place on, Monday 29 June.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Gerry Hagan turned the sod on the €9 million redevelopment of Connolly Barracks which will result in a vibrant community and cultural facility that will serve as the beating heart of Longford Town. The overall project will cost in the region of €9 million which includes co-funding of €7 million by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027 and €2 million funding from Longford County Council. A large crowd turned out to join in the sod turning celebrations including elected members, staff and management of Longford County Council, and a representative of the Southern Regional Assembly. Representatives of various community groups and local stakeholders who are a key part of the project, having contributed to the use and layout of the redeveloped building, were also in attendance.
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran was also in attendance. Contractors for the major project are expected to be appointed in the coming weeks with construction work due to get underway later this Summer. 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.
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 rooms, and music facilities. A rear extension will provide a flexible conference and performance space alongside training facilities. The project incorporates accessibility improvements, sustainability features including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, plus enhanced public spaces.
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan said, " Today is a proud day for Longford. Turning the sod here at Connolly Barracks marks a new start for a place that means a great deal to our town. We are opening the doors to new use, new energy and new life in this part of Longford, for the benefit of our whole community."
Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, " This sod turning shows real progress. We now move from plans on paper to work on the ground. This investment will create a high-quality space for culture and community, while protecting a building that is part of Longford’s story."
The restoration will employ best conservation practices whilst responding to Longford's population growth and multicultural character. The project promises to generate employment, tourism, and business opportunities whilst creating a shared space that bridges communities and generations.
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 project has received full support from Elected Members and is particularly welcomed by Longford Municipal District representatives.
