Press release
Minister Humphreys officially opens Longford Skate and Recreational Park
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has today (16 February 2024) officially opened ‘Longford Skate and Recreational Park’ in Longford Town.
The county’s first ever skate park is located on the site of the former greyhound track in the town. It will provide a platform for local talent and aspiring athletes to hone their skills, and be a cultural amenity space for the wider community.
The project received funding of €405,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, a key element of the government’s Rural Development Plan, ‘Our Rural Future’, which aims to make rural towns and villages vibrant places for people of all ages.
Speaking at the official opening today, Minister Humphreys said:
“This really is a momentous day for the town. Because I know that the campaign behind this skate park actually dates back over a decade.
"And that was a campaign that was driven by a group of young people born and reared in this town.
"Young people who came together and formed the Longford Skatepark Committee in order to deliver the vision that they had – a vision that has now become a reality. This transformative project has re-developed part of the old Greyhound Track into this vibrant and active space.
"It is not only a hub for skaters but a place for the community to meet, socialise, and enjoy the great outdoors. I know Longford County Council, and the Skate Park Committee in conjunction with Longford Community Resources Limited and Longford Youth Services, have worked tirelessly to see this project come to fruition. And that’s what I love to see – all the stakeholders in the community working together.”
Our Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025. It offers a blueprint for a thriving and inclusive rural Irelands and adopts a more strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and maximising opportunities for rural areas.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) supports the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy and regeneration, including tackling vacancy and dereliction in towns and villages.
The scheme is administered through the local authorities, who are required to work closely with local communities and local businesses to develop and implement proposals that can make a lasting impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country.
Since the introduction of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2016 over €156 million has been approved for more than 1,700 projects across the country. Longford has been allocated just over €4.5 million of this funding.