Minister Heather Humphreys with students from Ballymahon Vocational School, as she opened The Yard Hub in Abbeyshrule. Photos: Shelley Corcoran

Minister officially opens The Yard Hub in Abbeyshrule

Published: Fri 21 Apr 2023, 2:58 PM

Last updated: Fri 21 Apr 2023, 3:42 PM

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, visited Longford to officially open The Yard Hub, this week.

The €1.1 million project, delivered under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), has transformed a number of buildings along the Royal Canal Greenway which had been derelict for many years.

The development provides space for local enterprises and workers alongside hot desk facilities, and public realm upgrades including a courtyard area.

The project received €800,000 under the RRDF. A further €280,000 was provided by Longford County Council to complete the work.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Humphreys said: “I would like to congratulate Longford County Council and the project partners in delivering this fantastic project, which I am sure will be a huge boost for local workers and businesses.

“By bringing these derelict buildings in Abbeyshrule back into active use, this project is breathing new life into the area while addressing a clear need for the village.

“As well as the economic and social opportunities this project will bring, it will also add greatly to the town’s tourism offering.

“These renovated buildings, with beautifully restored stone facades, now provide a positive first impression of Abbeyshrule for visitors along the Royal Canal Greenway.”

Minister Humphreys with managers Maria Keenaghan and John Kelly from The Yard Hub. Photo by Shelley Corcoran Photography

While in Longford, the minister also visited a number of other rural development projects.

She started her day in Longford Town, where she visited the Irish Wheelchair Association, and viewed a new wheelchair bus that was funded under the CLÁR programme. The minister then travelled to Cullyfad, where she opened a new playground that was also funded under CLÁR.

She then travelled to Newtownforbes, where she opened the Newtownforbes Heritage and Biodiversity Trail, a project supported by €200,000 in funding under the department’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

The minister completed her engagements by opening the Ardagh Remote Working Hub. This project received funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.