Connolly Barracks Longford Town

Development Feasibility Study

Longford County Council and

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Connolly Barracks Longford Town

Development Feasibility Study

Prepared by

Midland Regional Authority

On behalf of

Longford County Council and Longford Town Council

December 2010

Connolly Barracks Longford Town

Development Feasibility Study

Midland Regional Authority

Longford Town Council

December 2010

Connolly Barracks Longford Town

Development Feasibility Study

1

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 1

Section 1 Purpose and Approach ................................................................................................................ 2

1.1 The Need for this Study ...................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Proposed Vision .................................................................................................................................. 2

1.3 Study Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 2

1.4 Structure of Study ............................................................................................................................... 2

Section 2 Site Analysis and Appraisal .......................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Historical Context ............................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Site Description................................................................................................................................... 3

2.3 Access and Services ............................................................................................................................ 3

2.4 Adjacent Land Uses ............................................................................................................................ 4

2.5 SWOT Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 5

Section 3 Development Potential ............................................................................................................... 6

3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 6

3.2 Zones of Development ....................................................................................................................... 7

Section 4 Economic Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 15

4.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 15

4.2 Economic Justification ...................................................................................................................... 15

4.3 Development Appraisal .................................................................................................................... 16

Section 5 Summary and Recommendations ............................................................................................. 18

5.1 Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 18

5.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................ 18

Appendix 1 Summary of Public Consultation ............................................................................................... 19

Executive Summary

The significant importance of Connolly Barracks to the town and county is of Longford together with its

strategic location cannot be underestimated. The present underutilisation of the barracks needs to be

addressed and given the currently provision of ongoing development relating to education and training

within the complex there is a need to harness this potential. This can be ensured through the

maximisation of the barracks potential as a place for use by the whole of society by allowing the barracks

to function in a continuous and dynamic manner. Through the shaping of a number of integrated and

interlinked Zones of Development within the complex this functionality will be achieved.

The formulation and application of a working vision will be of major benefit to ensure the successful

implementation of this study, and therefore, the following vision is proposed:

To ensure the encouragement and promotion of an active and dynamic vibrant urban

space that is fully integrated into the existing urban environment that can be utilised by

the community as a whole.

To ensure this it is necessary to undertake a development feasibility study that considers the barracks

continuous and dynamic use. The structuring of the complex into a number of integrated and interlinked

Zones of Development will enable this. The undertaking of strategic economic analysis of the

development costs associated with delivering maximum functionality will assist the decision-making

process. Given the barracks strategic location the proposed multifunctional development has significant

potential.

Through stakeholder, community and public consultation, site analysis and appraisal there is the

opportunity to arrange the site into a number of Zones of Development. The development of these zones

will allow for life-long living and learning in an integrated and secure urban environment for all ages of the

towns population.

Central to the maximisation of the potential development opportunities for the complex is the assessment

of best practice application and examples. The undertaking of this provides the foundation for exploring

and delivering the workings of the integrated development zones of the barracks.

The land uses adjacent to Connolly Barracks represent uses compatible to the future rejuvenation and

utilisation of the complex. Overall, the surrounding land uses could successfully integrate with the

regeneration and development of the Barracks, making the Longford town and environs area a more

pleasant, vibrant, attractive and active place. This potential to supplement and consolidate the healthy

economic, social and sustainable environmental growth of Longford town is welcomed.

Given the urgent need to rejuvenate this strategic site a key recommendation of this study is for Longford

Town Council and Longford County Council to secure the future of the Connolly Barracks site by agreeing a

lease /purchase arrangement with the Department of Defence.

Overall, it is essential that the implementation for this development feasibility analysis and assessment be

undertaken to ensure the multi-functional dynamic use of the complex for the benefit of all of Longford.

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Section 1 Purpose and Approach

1.1 The Need for this Study

Connolly Barracks is of significant importance to the town and county of Longford. It is strategically

located within Longford Town with ease of access. The barracks is being significantly underutilised since

the transfer of Irish Army military operations to Athlone in 2009. Currently the complex provides services

and facilities for the ongoing development of education and training and, given the existing urban fabric of

the barracks, this should be development and enhanced. This can be achieved through ensuring the

maximisation of the barracks potential as a place for use by the whole of society.

To ensure this it is necessary to undertake a development feasibility study that considers the barracks

continuous and dynamic use. The structuring of the complex into a number of integrated and interlinked

Zones of Development will enable this. It is necessary to provide a strategic economic analysis of the

development costs that will assist the decision-making process.

1.2 Proposed Vision

To ensure the successful implementation of this study the formulation and application of a working vision

is of major benefit. In drawing up this vision it is necessary to have consideration for the complete

functionality of the entire barracks complex particularly in an integrate manner. It is important the all

elements of society are given regard to thus ensuring a dynamic use of the complex.

Therefore, based on these requirements the following is the proposed vision:

To ensure the encouragement and promotion of an active and dynamic vibrant urban

space that is fully integrated into the existing urban environment that can be utilised by

the community as a whole.

This is a working vision for application throughout the development of the complex with the need ongoing

review and revision as required.

1.3 Study Methodology

The overall study methodology for this project is centred on an achievable and evidence-based approach

that incorporates quantitative and qualitative analysis. In addition, the assessment of best practice

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