'Enhanced' Longford park reopens after been closed for nearly twenty years

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, officially opened the newly enhanced MacEoin Park, Farnagh, Longford Town

Published 30th Apr 2026, 17:28 BST Updated 2nd May 2026, 21:10 BST Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, officially opened the newly enhanced MacEoin Park, Farnagh, Longford Town Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, officially opened the newly enhanced MacEoin Park, Farnagh, Longford Town Sign up to our Longford Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Longford Live within your account.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, officially opened the newly enhanced MacEoin Park, Farnagh, Longford Town.

In February 2025, Longford County Council was allocated €182,096 under the Government’s Community Recognition Fund to upgrade MacEoin Park.

With the upgrades now completed, this park will provide a vital social outlet, giving people the opportunity to be active and to connect with one another. This project promotes inclusion, wellness and equality for all and reflects a strong commitment to community wellbeing.

“I am delighted to be here with you today to mark the reopening of this park. After nearly 20 years closed, this park has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming facility for the whole community to enjoy. With over €182,000 in funding from my Department under the Community Recognition Fund, this project has created a place where people can gather, play and connect in a safe and inclusive environment. I want to commend everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition. I have no doubt that this park will be enjoyed by the whole community and surrounding areas for many years to come.

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“The Community Recognition Fund was introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Communities like those here in Longford town, where huge efforts have been made to integrate new arrivals into our community.”

The Community Recognition Fund has provided some €100 million to support a range of projects in villages, towns and cities across the country.

Projects supported through the fund include the refurbishment of community facilities, like MacEoin Park, in addition to children’s play spaces and sensory spaces, the provision of and enhancement of recreational trails and sports facilities, and transport supports for communities.

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Minister Calleary added: “I firmly believe that this newly enhanced space will encourage our young people and indeed the entire community, to come together, enjoy themselves, and simply have fun, which is what it is all about.

“I have no doubt that this park will be enjoyed for many years to come and will play a central role in community life here for all to enjoy.”

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