New roof podium link proposed between Longford cathedral and neighbouring building

The proposed development concerns The Teallach Íosa Family Centre and St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford Town

Published 16th Mar 2026, 20:00 BST St Mel's Cathedral The proposed development concerns The Teallach Íosa Family Centre and St Mel’s Cathedral in 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.

The Teallach Íosa Family Centre Development Committee have filed a planning application seeking permission to construct “a new single storey shared link reception area” spanning 133sqm, “also linked at roof podium level, between the crypt of St Mel’s Cathedral and Teallach Íosa Family Centre including lobby, plant and storage areas.” Left: How the link currently looks at the rear of St Mel's. Right: 3D images on file of the impressive new link proposed

The application goes on to request permission “the removal of existing bridge and adjustment of stone balustrade at podium level” as well as “alterations to Teallach Íosa Family Centre to remove part of the upper level and rearrange internal layout including upgrade of WC facilities”.

Also among the requests outlined in the application were repairs to the roof of the Teallach Íosa Family Centre “including alteration of roof profile at west end, new dormers to south end and proposed PV/solar panel to southern pitch”, and repairs and alterations of windows to Teallach Íosa Family Centre.

Read: Man in Longford court charged with theft of St Mel’s Cathedral mass card donations

The proposed impressive development will take place at the rear of St Mel’s Cathedral.

The applicants note that “as part of the phases of restoration of the cathedral in 2013/2014 an archaeological study of the area was carried out by Judith Carroll & Company indicating that the site is in an area of some archaeological potential. It was proposed that: the monitoring should be continued as part of the external works, should any in situ remain be identified, these should be fully archaeologically excavated in the area of impact, if they cannot be preserved in situ.”

Longford County Council is expected to return a decision before May 4.

Related topics: Longford St Mel’s Cathedral 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.