Military Assets as Public Spaces (MAPS) trans-national meeting, Longford

The Integrated Action Plan for Connolly Barracks and the Northern Quarter of Longford Town was produced as part of the URBACT Military Assets as Public project. MAPS focuses on the challenges in utilising former military heritage and opportunities for stimulating regeneration in cities. Connolly Barracks in Longford Town closed in 2009, resulting in severe decline. Longford County Council sought to address this decline, Connolly Barracks and the Northern Quarter were identified as areas with significant opportunities to address decline.

An URBACT Local Group (ULG) was set up to engage the community, stakeholders and interest groups to identify local needs, frame problems, agree policy priorities, and design solutions to benefit the people of Longford town. Working with the ULG, a number of actions were identified. These include; the need for a masterplan to co-ordinate and identify appropriate redevelopment of the area, development of an innovation campus, establishment of a farmer’s market, development of visitor accommodation, consolidation of municipal offices, the need to improve the tourism offer, River Camlin physical enhancements, increased urban quality of place, development of a skate park, provision of alternative accommodation, a museum to tell the story and history of the town, promotion of festivals, and improved communication between stakeholders. In addition the action plan examined potential sources of funding, key players and monitoring. Delivering on the actions is a new challenge for stakeholders to undertake. Longford County Council’s Regeneration Officer Lorraine O’Connor did an excellent job in chairing the meeting. For further information please see the MAPS URBACT webpage: http://urbact.eu/maps