The development of a new community hub in Ballymahon has taken a key step forward.

Kenny Lyons & Associates Architects has signed design contracts for the Ballymahon Pobal le Cheile project.

The Pobal le Cheile project will bring several vacant buildings in Ballymahon back into active use. The key locations of these buildings will allow a clustering of service providers and increase accessibility to social services for the community. It will also enhance connectivity and the visual presentation of the area.

Works will include the transformation of the former convent building to accommodate Bridgeways Family Resource Centre (FRC), as well as the Convent Day Care Centre. The Dean Egan Library be home to a youth club. The Old Schoolhouse will be renovated for remote working and the Ballymahon Men's Shed. The works will also present the area as a distinct quarter of the town.

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This project is funded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund through the Department of Rural and Community Development. The funding is administered by Longford County Council.

Speaking at the contract signing, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern said: "This is a great further step forward for the town of Ballymahon. The Pobal le Cheile project will help to see that the needs of County Longford's fastest growing town are met into the future. It will create a cluster of community services all close together and more easily accessible. I am delighted to see these contracts signed here today and look forward to what the Pobal le Cheile project will do for Ballymahon."

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added: "The Council continues to focus on the regeneration of our towns and communities. This is an incredibly important project. Pobal le Cheile will help to ensure the needs of the community are met, including by facilitating increased service provision through larger and more suitable premises. It will help the people of Ballymahon and help to ensure that the local community can continue to grow and thrive."