Longford County Council invites bids for transformative cultural hub development at Longford’s Connolly Barracks.

Longford County Council has announced that the landmark THRIVE Connolly Barracks Reimagined project has entered the tender stage, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of one of Longford Town’s most historic sites.

The €7 million redevelopment, co funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, will breathe new life into the former military barracks in the county town, creating a vibrant cultural and community hub for the region.

The ambitious plans include a county museum, creative makerspace, podcast and recording studio, meeting rooms, music facilities, and a rear extension housing a flexible conference and community event space. Sustainability features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting will complement accessibility improvements, ensuring the site serves all sectors of the community.

Revitalising Longford’s Northern Quarter for generations to come

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “Moving to tender is a significant step towards delivering a space that celebrates Longford’s heritage while embracing innovation and inclusion. This project will revitalise the northern quarter of our town and create opportunities for generations to come.”

Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council John Brannigan said, “We are committed to ensuring transparency and engagement throughout this process. The tender stage signals real progress towards a cultural hub that reflects the values of the New European Bauhaus and Town Centre First.”