Latest News

Sinead Costello, Community Food and Nutrition Worker from EDI Centre Longford, is giving a talk in Longford Library on Tuesday, January 28th at 11am.

https://www.longfordcoco.ie/your-council/news/pathways-to-funding.html

NOTE: There will be light refreshments available from 5.30 to 6pm each evening with the information session starting at 6pm Sharp

Longford County Council is administering the following built heritage, including archaeological, conservation grants for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for 2025

The BHIS – Historic Thatch Fund 2025 (HTF 2025)

• This was previously known as the Ring Fenced Thatch stream of the BHIS.  Thatched buildings, constructed prior to 1970 are eligible for application, and do not need to be on the Record of Protected Structures. The maximum of all public funding, including the Department of Housing Thatch Support Grant, is 80% of costs. Longford County Council was given a small initial allocation for the county, but it is hoped that additional funding will be made available.
• In addition to the application form, the applicants must include a method statement and costings from the thatcher. Applicants should be advised that there is a shortage of skilled, practising thatchers at present, but we will try and work with you as much as possible.
• Anyone interested in applying for this scheme should visit this website, which has the Departmental Circular, application forms and additional guidance. Applications must be submitted by email to heritage@longfordcoco.ie by the 17 January 2025.

longfordlibrary.ie/heritage/heritage-funding/built-heritage-investment-scheme/bhis-htbs2025.html

The Historic Structures Fund 2025 (HSF 2025)

• In recent years, a number of significant historic buildings in County Longford have successfully availed of this grant and enabled a number of long-vacant private houses to return to being homes in County Longford. Some changes have been made to the Fund this year.
• The custodians of protected structures requiring significant conservation repairs, particularly where there is a demonstrated community or public benefit, or a clear residential benefit has been demonstrated. The grants will typically be between €50,000 and €200,000, up to 50% of the project cost. There may be some flexibility over allocating the funding over two years.
• It should be noted that Longford County Council is permitted to shortlist a set number of applications, with the final decision on the funding allocation – if any – being made by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Assessors. Applicants will be reminded that because this is, in effect, a national competition, their applications must be robust and follow the guidelines given. For this reason, high-quality applications will be favoured applications that less robust.
• Those interested in applying for this scheme should visit the following website. Completed applications, including all supporting reports and documentation should be emailed to heritage@longfordcoco.ie by the 17 January 2025.

https://www.longfordlibrary.ie/heritage/heritage-funding/historic-structures-fund/

Community Monuments Fund 2025 (CMF 2025)

• Since 2020, the Community Monuments Fund has become one of the most transformative supports for communities with archaeological monuments at their heart. This has enabled communities in County Longford, and Longford County Council obtain funding to undertake necessary research and  Conservation Management Plans to guide necessary repairs for archaeological monuments in this county, while maintaining the cultural, archaeological and natural heritage value of the monument and its setting.
• The Fund also provides essential capital funding for conservation, and has secured the long-term future of the late-medieval Towerhouse at Abbeyshrule Abbey, and the medieval chapel in St. Brendan’s churchyard in Clondra.
• There are number of streams in the Fund for 2025, which provide up to 100% funding. Communities and owners of significant archaeological sites should visit the following website for further information and to download the application forms. Completed applications, including all supporting reports and documentation should be emailed to heritage@longfordcoco.ie by the 31 January 2025

https://www.longfordlibrary.ie/heritage/heritage-funding/community-monuments-fund/

Should anyone wish to meet to discuss the grants and get additional guidance, you are welcome to make an appointment  through the Longford Library Service on (043) 3341124 or by emailing heritage@longfordcoco.ie

View the Age Friendly Ireland Newsletter dated 17th May 2024.

There is an opportunity for groups and communities to win 100L of free paint.

Paint Reuse Network, seeks to rescue surplus paint and bring it back into circulation. There is currently a national paint giveaway competition that the Paint Reuse Network is running. The competition aims to give 100 litres of paint to individuals and/or groups for improving community spaces.

We are seeking a winner in each Waste Region.

More information

Longford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invites online applications from community groups for grants to carry out necessary repairs & improvements to their facilities, and/or to purchase equipment under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024.

Online applications must be completed by the chairperson, secretary or treasurer of the community group.

THREE separate quotations must be uploaded with the online application. Otherwise, it will be deemed INCOMPLETE and will not be considered for funding.

Closing date for submission of online applications and uploaded supporting documentation is by 4pm on Wednesday, 27 March 2024.

Late applications will NOT be accepted.

For Online Application, Terms & Conditions and Guidelines please see our webpage Local Enhancement Programme 2024 – LongfordCoCo

Community Groups are advised to familiarise themselves with these well in advance of the closing date and to commence their online application as soon as possible.

All are welcome Beginner & Dancers (No partner required)

6.30pm – 7.30pm Line Dance Class €10

7.30pm – 8.30pm Total Beginners Dance Class €10

8.30pm – 10.00pm Improvers Dance Class €10

Contact Pamela : 089 4545132 for more information

Climate Heroes is a good-natured, carbon-saving competition from Global Action Plan. Between the 15th and 26th of April, all kinds of community groups across Ireland will log planet-friendly actions and compete to have the biggest carbon footprint reduction. Weekly webinars in the run-up will shine a light on the big picture and offer a space for knowledge-sharing and connection. Participation is free. For more information and to sign up, please visit www.climateheroes.ie. Because everyone can be a Climate Hero!

This project is supported by Irish Aid’s Global Citizenship Education funding.

Exercise classes include strength and cardio, core & mobility, exercise classes for beginners, activator pole exercise for all age groups

For more information visit your local library or email PAFH@longfordcoco.ie

Monday 25th March – Friday 17th May

Monday – Longford Library

Tuesday – Granard Library

Wednesday – Edgeworthstown Library

Thursday – Lanesboro Library

Friday – Ballymahon Library

Training:

To access free online and face to face self harm, suicide prevention and bereavement support training, see link: Midlands Training

Support:

To access information on national and local suicide prevention resources/mental health support services please follow links: CfL Midlands, Louth & Meath CHO Website / YourMentalHealth.ie

Scan QR Code below for 24/7 support service information:

The 2024 Garda Recruitment Campaign has been announced and anyone considering a career in An Garda Siochána must submit their application through Publicjobs.ie before 3pm on 8th February 2024.

If anyone has any questions they can contact a member of the Community Policing Team in Longford Garda Station on 043 3350570 or email Sergeant Darren Conlon on darren.m.conlon@garda.ie

Please share among your groups and other platforms.