Contracts have been finalised for the €9 million THRIVE Connolly Barracks Reimagined initiative, a key step towards transforming the historic Longford Town site.

Bretland Construction has been appointed as the main contractor, with site mobilisation now under way ahead of construction. Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan, Chief Executive Samantha Healy and members of the THRIVE project team joined Bretland representatives at the council offices to sign the documents.

The agreement clears the way for construction to begin and ushers in the next stage of one of Longford’s most significant heritage regeneration schemes in recent times. An official sod-turning took place on 29 June, signalling the move from planning to delivery. With design completed and statutory approvals and procurement concluded, a pre-start meeting has been held with Bretland and works on site will follow. Robin Lee Architects were previously engaged to oversee preliminary design, environmental assessments, the business case and Part 8 consent.

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 total project cost is approximately €9 million, comprising €7 million in ERDF-backed Government and EU co-funding and €2 million from Longford County Council.

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The redevelopment will bring the long-vacant former barracks, unused since the Army’s departure in 2009, back into active community use. Plans include a county museum, a community café, a creative makerspace, a podcast and recording studio, meeting rooms and music facilities. A new rear extension will provide a flexible conference and performance venue with additional training spaces. The scheme also features accessibility upgrades, sustainability measures such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting, and improved public realm.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan said: "This marks an important milestone for Longford. The signing of contracts means this long-anticipated project is now moving firmly into the construction phase. Connolly Barracks is a landmark building in Longford Town and this investment will give it a new purpose, creating opportunities for culture, creativity and community activity for generations to come."

Bretland Construction's Construction Director John O'Connell welcomed the partnership with Longford County Council on the Connolly Barracks project.

"We are proud to be involved in the delivery of this prestigious and important development, which represents an exciting opportunity for Longford and the wider community. Our Bretland Team looks forward to working closely with Longford County Council and all project stakeholders to deliver a high-quality development that will create a lasting and positive legacy for the town and its people."

The restoration will adhere to best-practice conservation standards while meeting the needs of Longford's growing and diverse community. It is expected to support jobs, tourism and local enterprise, creating a shared space that connects people across 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 the renovation and adaptive reuse of publicly owned heritage buildings. The initiative reflects New European Bauhaus principles of sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion, emphasising citizen-focused, community-led regeneration.