Longford County Council has received funding to develop plans which will turn Connolly Barracks into a community and cultural centre.

This funding which was received under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) will cover the creation of drawings and securing planning approval. It aims to allow local authorities and the public to reimagine and revitalise town centres though the renovation and reuse of publicly owned vacant or derelict heritage buildings.

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THRIVE is delivered under Ireland's two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) regional programmes: the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027, and the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027. The programme was created by the Southern and Northern & Western Regional Assemblies, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Colm Murray said: "It is very encouraging that this funding has been announced following the recent launch of the Council’s Longford Town Centre First Strategy, which has identified the redevelopment of Connolly Barracks as a transformational project within the strategy. This funding will allow the Council to drive forward with detailed plans for this project. This includes a county museum within the Barracks, which is a long-held ambition of the people of Longford. It also includes additional community and cultural uses."